Is War Machine Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, War Machine is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 122 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
War Machine Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, War Machine emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, War domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A rock star general bent on winning the “impossible” war in Afghanistan takes us inside the complex machinery of modern war. Unlike standard genre fare, War Machine attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and War Machine features a noteworthy lineup led by Brad Pitt . Supported by the likes of Anthony Michael Hall and Emory Cohen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of War Machine (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
War Machine Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: War Machine is a Comedy, Drama, War film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. A rock star general bent on winning the “impossible” war in Afghanistan takes us inside the complex machinery of modern war. Inspired by the true story of General Stanley McChrystal. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
War Machine Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: War Machine attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of War Machine reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
War Machine Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
War Machine uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a comedy, drama, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: War Machine adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch War Machine?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
War Machine Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $60.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
War Machine Budget
The estimated production budget for War Machine is $60.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of War Machine
- Brad Pitt – Gen. Glen McMahon
- Anthony Michael Hall – Greg Pulver
- Emory Cohen – Willy Dunne
- John Magaro – Cory Staggart
- Topher Grace – Matt Little
Top Highlights
Brad PittGen. Glen McMahon
Anthony Michael HallGreg Pulver
Emory CohenWilly Dunne
John MagaroCory Staggart
Topher GraceMatt Little
Tilda SwintonGerman Politician
Daniel BettsSimon Ball
Aymen HamdouchiBadi Basim
Alan RuckPat McKinnon
Anthony HayesPete Duckman
Where to Watch War Machine Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixParents Guide & Age Rating
War Machine is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, War Machine stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is War Machine movie hit or flop?
War Machine has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is War Machine worth watching?
War Machine is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, War movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch War Machine online?
War Machine is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for War Machine
It feels like there's a really good movie hidden somewhere in here, but perhaps not a comedy. As far as the comedy goes, its biggest obstacle is Brad Pitt. I remember seeing another comedy with him in it, and I remember him being not particularly good. This time around it's even worse, and it's clear to me that the man doesn't have a funny bone at all. There's plenty of comedic material in the script, as delivered by the supporting cast, but to be frank, Brad Pitt is simply terrible. I don't remember having seen him this poor, ever, and I'm really quite a fan of him. Why he fails so terribly to be funny, I'm not sure. Perhaps he lacks the ability to do self-ridicule, perhaps he tries too hard, perhaps he doesn't really get humour in the first place, you be the judge — I just know he's not funny. At all. They really should have done better casting here. Lots of obvious candidates that would be better, and probably cheaper, too. Then there's the whole deal about it being a comedy in the first place. I don't consider myself a prune, but there are scenes in this film where the attempt at comedy just seems in awfully poor taste. Which is why I air the question of whether the "hidden good movie" in here should indeed be a comedy. The best scenes in War Machine most definitely aren't the funny ones, that's for sure.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
