Movie Review: PROJECT HAIL MARY

Movie Review: PROJECT HAIL MARY

Amaze. Amaze. Amaze.

See PROJECT HAIL MARY in the largest screen you can find with the best sound system. You can thank me later.

Based on the novel by Andy Weir (The Martian) and adapted to the screen by Drew Goddard (the screen adaptation of Weir’s The Martian) and Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (the duo who directed THE LEGO MOVIE amongst others), PROJECT HAIL MARY is the feel good movie of the year about collaboration and science coming together for the greater good (something that we sorely could use in these times).

Starring Ryan Gosling, PROJECT HAIL MARY tells the tale of Astronaut Ryland Grace (Gosling) who finds himself on a solo mission to a nearby sun to help save the Earth. Along the way he is joined by an unexpected fellow alien astronaut and they team up to attempt to save BOTH their worlds.

Its a wonderful blend of stunning audios and visuals, a mesmerizing lead performance, two strong supporting performances and a feel-good buddy movie that will have you leaving the Cineplex with hope for mankind.

Gosling (Ken, of course, in the BARBIE movie) brings his unique Hollywood charms to the lead role of Ryland Grace - and this is good (AND NEEDED) for Grace is in almost every shot of the film and the audience needs to root for Grace throughout this film - and root we do thanks to Gosling’s everyman, “ah shucks” take on this character as well as his inherent charisma. We WANT Grace to succeed no matter what.

Sandra Huller (nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in 2024 for the French film ANATOMY OF A FALL), co-stars as Eva Stratt (seen only in flashbacks) as the head of the task force that must figure out how to save the world and then send the Astronauts out to accomplish a nearly impossible mission. Stratt is strong, secure and sure of herself, yet Huller imbues her with a humanity that most would have missed because they were too busy pasting on the hard outer shell that this character has.

And then there is the vocal performance of James Ortiz (THE WOODSMAN) as the voice of “Rocky”, the alien astronaut that Grace partners with. This performance could easily fall into the cloying, cute and easily dismissable comic sidekick, but it doesn’t, thanks to this performance.

Of course, credit needs to be given to Lord and Miller for faithfully adapting Weir’s book into a crackling film that is a joy to look at and feel in the Cineplex. They know how to pace this film, where to add humor, where to add pathos, where to add suspense. They are the right Director’s for this piece, it hits all the right tones.

Do not be surprised if this film, Lord & Miller, Gosling, Huller and most of the visual effects, editing, cinematography, sound, etc…teams are ALL nominated for Oscars next year - it is that good of a film achievement.

Do yourself a favor, go see this one in the theaters, don’t wait for it to come to you at home, you’ll be glad you did.

Letter Grade: A

9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)