Over the long Independence Day weekend, my husband and I streamed Project Hail Mary. Since we didn’t have the opportunity to screen the film back in March, it’s been challenging not to dive into all the reviews posted about it since then, but I managed to go into this viewing with a clean slate, which is always what I aim to do as a film critic. Check out my mostly no-spoiler review below.
Project Hail Mary is Available to Stream on Amazon Prime Video!
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| Courtesy: Amazon MGM Studios |
About Project Hail Mary:
Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures /Directed by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller /Screenplay by: Drew Goddard, based on novel by Andy Weir /Produced by: Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Ryan Gosling, Phil Lord, p.g.a., Christopher Miller, p.g.a., Aditya Sood, p.g.a., Rachel O'Connor, p.g.a., Andy Weir /Run Time: 2 hours,36 mins./Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure /Rated: PG-13 for thematic material and suggestive references
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub
Film Synopsis:
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| Courtesy: Amazon MGM Studios |
“Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light-years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction, but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.”
My Thoughts:
I’m so glad we had the opportunity to see this film at home, because it allowed us the ability to rewatch certain scenes and pause the film for quick debriefings, mainly on the timelines, since Project Hail Mary has two timelines, present and past, intersecting to tell the story of scientist Ryland Grace.
Don’t get me wrong, I know it must have been an epic, entertaining experience to see this film in IMAX, and I’ll always attempt to see a film on the big screen first, but wow, there is a lot to unpack in the first few minutes of the film, for instance, Grace can’t remember why he's in the middle of space, or who he is!
It doesn’t take long for us to learn the how and why of Grace being on the spacecraft, Hail Mary, all alone, save a medical robot. Once Grace remembers his mission and sets off for the Tau Ceti system, his computer detects another ship, and the fun and adventure really begin.
I say fun, because even though Grace is alone and knows there is no returning home after this mission, Astropage has infected the Earth’s sun. It's up to him to stop it and save the world; he adds levity to the situation, especially when an alien spacecraft discovers him and docks with the Hail Mary.
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| Courtesy:Amazon MGM Studios |
We Are Not Alone: Potential Spoiler Alert!
I know I said this is a no-spoiler review, but I simply must share at least a little spoiler here; otherwise, my review and film rating won’t make sense.
It turns out the alien ship that docked is inhabited by an Eridian alien. It looks like it’s made of rocks, moves like a spider, and, coincidentally, had been sent by its world on the same mission as Grace: to stop the Astrophage.
It’s fun to watch Grace and the alien attempt to communicate. Neither trusts the other much, and to add insult to the process, the alien can’t live in our environment. As the two try to make each other's perilous situation known to the other, they find they must lean on faith and trust if they are going to successfully carry out their missions to save both their home worlds. The friendship that forms between them is highly enjoyable to watch unfold!
The Takeaway:
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| Courtesy: Amazon MGM Studios |
This is a fun and at times, moving Sci-Fi adventure film that both my husband, an avid Sci-Fi fan, and I enjoyed. It turned out to be a perfect summer date night at home film!
If you’re looking to beat the heat, I invite you to stream Project Hail Mary this weekend. You just might find it “amaze” ing! That’s a little inside joke; those who have seen the film will get it. I invite you to learn more about the film, including the official trailer here. It’s available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and many other streaming services. There’s also a cool 3D model and embroidery template to download.
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| Courtesy:Amazon MGM Studios |
Please share in comments: Have you already seen Project Hail Mary, or do you plan to stream it?
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