One of the better books I read (well, listened to on audiobook, to be more precise) in recent years was Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary”, and I was happy and excited to see that as with Weir’s “The Martian”, it was being made into a movie (with Weir himself also involved).
So I went to see it in IMAX on Thursday, and I’m happy to report that the reviews are all correct, it is an absolute delight. I’d guess it might play even better for those who don’t know the plot or the surprise twists and turns.
The movie is very true to the book, as close as it can be in its runtime. The science-y bits get streamlined somewhat, and a few subplots get cut out completely, but those sorts of things are unavoidable in any adaptain, and this one does a terrific job.
As some might say, amaze amaze amaze.
I found it a bit weird that the official trailers spoiled one of the biggest plot points in the movie, but that’s the marketing angle they chose and based on the first weekend’s box office numbers, their strategy is paying off.
By definition, the movie’s carried by Ryan Gosling, who’s become one of my favorite actors over the past decade+. Here’s the definitive ranking of his five best movies according to me. Apologies if you like La La Land and The Notebook. I’m sure they’re great as well.
- The Nice Guys
- Blade Runner 2049
- Drive
- The Place Beyond the Pines
- Project Hail Mary
Honorable mentions: Barbie, Fracture, First Man, The Believer, Half Nelson
One nice bonus was the Dune 3 trailer playing in full IMAX before the start of the movie. I’ve got no words for how much I’m looking forward to this one. And if Denis really loves us, he’ll gift us a vision of the God Emperor and his Golden Path, too.
