“Operation War Thunder” (2024) is a British comedy sci-fi film directed by James Peakman. The story centers on Gary Pratt (Andrew Simpson), a despondent car dealer whose life is a series of misfortunes. Upon learning of their father’s death, Gary reunites with his estranged brother, Tommy (James Peakman), a charismatic pale ale enthusiast. Together, they return to their childhood home to locate their father’s will, only to confront unexpected and sinister events. Despite a modest budget of under £1,000, the film boasts impressive cinematography and diverse locations, lending it a cinematic scope often absent in low-budget features. The humor is reminiscent of early Edgar Wright works, with well-timed jokes and quick-cut editing that playfully mislead the audience. While the film excels in comedy and character chemistry, some critiques point to pacing issues and occasional clumsy expository dialogue. Overall, “Operation War Thunder” is a testament to creative low-budget filmmaking, delivering consistent humor and engaging performances.
