While certainly a fun film, I found the jovial tones at times eliminate the threat of space, impending extinction, and ultimately remove the conflict required to make a film of this runtime engaging throughout.
PLEASE, before you take out the pitchfork… I did really enjoy this film. I am unapologetically a Ryan Gosling fan boy, and I have no problem saying it. Crazy, Stupid, Love is my favourite rom‑com of all time. I had my Drive phase as a brooding teenage boy. La La Land is a comfort movie, and I think Blade Runner 2049 is one of the best science fiction films ever made. Additionally, I don’t think the concept of mixing comedy into a sci‑fi story can’t be done. Guardians of the Galaxy has some really enjoyable films, and even at their worst moments I can find myself enjoying the light‑hearted/humorous parts of films like Star Wars.
I am, however, of the opinion that when the central threat is a mostly static agent like “space” or something seemingly mundane like a bacterial anomaly, you lessen its perceived threat by dealing with it in a jovial tone. If Starlord makes a witty quip about Thanos, it can temporarily lighten the threat. But Thanos is an independent and actively malicious agent. He will then likely throw Starlord across a room or execute some action that arrests the viewer’s attention and reminds them of the immediate danger. Films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar, and Gravity create tension by showing reverence for the danger of space and space travel. Ryan’s character, with absolutely no training at all, seems to adapt and thrive easily in space. Additionally, films like 28 Days Later show that the agent of chaos doesn’t have to be a giant purple thumb with an Infinity Gauntlet. But 28 Days Later makes the threat perceptible by giving the bacteria a visible, terrifying form like zombie‑like creatures. Project Hail Mary(important note here: I am exclusively reviewing the film) doesn’t do enough to show the effects back home. We are told the sun will die and obviously understand that means the end of the human race, but I would have liked to have seen that concretised. Sandra Hüller’s character refers to the effects of food shortages and the impending political effects, but this isn’t really shown to the viewer.
THE MOVIE IS FUN. Ryan is charming, and the relationship between Rocky and Ryan’s character Grace is endearing. The above critique really serves as my reason for not giving the film what seems to be a consensus 4/5 rating. I think towards the end the film began to drag. Admittedly, in my old age, maybe the joys of a Rocky mascot type character are slightly lost on me and my darkened, hollowed‑out soul. Maybe I am dead inside and joy will never find me again—who knows. My final note: Ryan once again was great in this, but I yearn for a serious Ryan movie. There absolutely is room for more brilliant and fun movies, but considering the run since Barbie (including his hilarious SNL appearances), I find myself waiting for a serious Ryan film. Take an Oscar‑bait film, Ryan. Let ’em know you still got it.
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