Project Hail Mary

I think this might be my favourite sci-fi film since “Galaxy Quest” (1999) and like that, this is a solid and entertaining story led by an actor who is quite possibly getting better looking and more charismatic as he gets older. “Grace” (Ryan Gosling) is the kind of interactive science teacher that I’d have loved. Few text books, just gadgets, gizmos and beanbag factoids that appear to keep his teenage students interested and enthusiastic. When he leaves one afternoon he encounters the enigmatic "Eva” (Sandra Hüller) who knows of his more rebellious past amongst the scientific community and who invites him to participate in a crucial and global project. The sun is dying, and rapidly, and they have identified what they think might be the cause. Quickly identifying what he calls the “astrophage”, he is soon aboard an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean working on an antidote that might be sourced from a star light years from earth. A scientist he wants to be - an astronaut, well that's a different matter - and so after an unfortunate explosion that’s where “Eva” has a difficult decision to make. Running in parallel to this thread is one on a spaceship in a galaxy far, far, away - and where it’s lone astronaut has met and befriended another wanderer looking for a solution to this intergalactic plague. The two are pretty much polar opposites. They’ve no language in common and they don’t even breathe the same air - but some technical legerdemain, sign language, model making and good old-fashioned goodwill might just help them find a solution in time? Aside from a couple of quite sparing interventions from Hüller - and a mean bit of her karaoke, this is really just Gosling demonstrating that cardigans are cool as he hurtles through space. The writing provides him with some quite witty dialogue a well as just an hint or two of actual science; the visual effects are impressive too but ultimately it’s his amiable characterisation that makes us smile and tugs at our heartstrings almost simultaneously as their story races along for a couple of hours mixing jeopardy, humour and the power of friendship into it as it goes. It looks great on a big screen and I'd certainly be up for a sequel.

Incredible movie. So heartwarming and funny. The cinematography is gorgeous, the story is so entertaining and you get so emotionally invested to the characters. Ryan Gosling will never disappoint me.

Full review: https://movieswetextedabout.com/project-hail-mary-movie-review-ryan-gosling-shines-in-a-visually-stunning-redemption-story-for-the-ages/ Rating: A- "Project Hail Mary stands as a triumph of narrative over technique, where the redemption of a man who believed himself a coward becomes the symbol of hope for an entire civilization. It’s a beautiful exploration of how genuine communication and personal sacrifice can tear down the most unthinkable barriers, uniting two beings from opposite worlds in a common purpose. Leaving the theater, my thoughts weren’t focused on orbital physics or alien chemistry, but on the profound lesson of altruism that Rocky and Grace leave to the real world. It asserts itself as one of the most immersive and emotionally rewarding sci-fi experiences in recent cinema, joining the technical grandeur of an IMAX production with the intimacy of one of the purest friendships ever seen on screen through a memorable performance by Ryan Gosling. It reminds us that, in the deafening silence of the cosmos, our greatest strength doesn’t lie in the problems solved, but in the courage to reach out to the unknown to discover that one is never truly alone. In the end, what really lasts aren’t the cutting-edge visual effects or the scientific rigor, but the soul of the story."

Never read (or heard of the book but not much of a book reader aside from crime-thrillers) so I don't know anything about it, but thought this was a lot of fun with heart and Ryan Gosling was great. Hampering my experience was a girl next to me trying to get every drop of her slushie and the last 30 minutes having a full bladder not to mention the really warm theater. I was in a D-BOX seat which was well utilized. I'll check it out again once it gets to 4K. Still, solid sci-fi drama. **4/5**

Project Hail Mary is a prime example of why cinemaphiles love going to the theater. If popcorn flicks are capable of being intellectually stimulating, incredibly emotional, and monumentally worthwhile, then Project Hail Mary is the ultimate popcorn flick. https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/scifi/hail-mary-review.html

Project Hail Mary presents itself as a modern science fiction centered on the classic mission to save the world, or in this case, multiple worlds. During his journey, the protagonist is joined by the likable Rocky, a character used to further lighten the tone and distract from a plot that evolves through one contrivance after another. The convenient demise of the entire crew feels highly engineered, serving only to force an intimate dynamic between the two characters. A series of convenient coincidences allows the story to conclude in the most favorable way possible. Furthermore, what initially appeared to be a scientific focal point, the protagonist’s conviction regarding non carbon based life, is effectively validated by Rocky’s existence, yet the film fails to follow through leaving a significant thematic thread unresolved. Ultimately, it is an enjoyable, light, and occasionally humorous film; however it fails to leave a lasting impression. While the viewer is certainly entertained for the duration, the experience doesn't leave anything meaningful to reflect on.

The best movie I've seen in years, by a longshot. Highly recommend seeing this one in the theater too, the sound is incredible. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Great visuals and humor, but they took out many elements that made the book distinct from a generic "hero saves the world" story, and made Grace and Stratt palatable to an unnecessary extent.

I haven't enjoyed a movie this much in a long time. It was a great story, well balance balanced with humor, excitement, joy, and sadness. The amazing visuals didn't override a great story, nor did they go for too-long moments of visual poetic splendor. And I'm so glad that Rocky wasn't another 'cute' alien.

Well, first half of the movie feels a bit stretched and not very engaging. But the second half was more interesting and has a great audio backing. The visuals like camera and VFX are excellent and a pleasure to watch. I think its a great movie for everyone, who loves scifi or simply wants to see Ryan Gosling. He is doing a great job and with Rocky they are a perfect duo.