The 5th Wave (3 Stars)

This film about an alien invasion is based on the first in a series of books by the science fiction author Rick Yancey. I've been told that the books are good. Unfortunately, the film offers nothing special. Not even the outstanding acting by Chloe Grace Moretz can rescue the film. The plot is jumbled and nonsensical, making me wonder what's so good about the books.

In the near future the Earth is visited by a giant spaceship which looks like it's a leftover prop from "Independence Day". It orbits the Earth for a few weeks without making contact. Then the attack begins in four waves.

1. An electromagnetic pulse disables all electricity on Earth.

2. Giant tidal waves destroy all coastal waves.

3. A modified bird flu kills most of mankind.

4. The human race is infiltrated by aliens controlling humans.

This is where the film starts. Cassie Sullivan is a resistance fighter. She doesn't know who to trust, because there's no way to distinguish the humans under alien control. Luckily the United States Army is still operative. They round up the civilians and take them to a camp where they'll be safe.

I can't say too much about the plot without giving away what happens. Suffice it to say that the film is a mess. I couldn't take it seriously.

Once more, Chloe Grace Moretz proves that she's an amazing actress, skilled beyond her years. She just needs to make sure she picks better films in future.

Maika Monroe looks almost unrecognisable with black hair. Click the picture to see her normal look. I'm glad that she is specialising in horror and sci-fi films, even if "The 5th Wave" isn't that impressive. She's rapidly becoming one of my favourite actresses.