I expected this to be a really good movie, and I’m not disappointed. Okay, maybe a little disappointed because I hoped it would be a great movie. So there’s that. If I hadn’t read the book years ago, and I hadn’t been looking forward to seeing the movie adaptation even as I read the book, then I think I’d be delighted right now. That’s what you get for having high expectations.

I like the fact that they chose to go non-linear and start the story with Grace arriving at Tau Ceti. The flashbacks to Earth helped with the pacing.

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Ryan Gosling is perfect as Grace. You can tell that Ryan is a fan of the book because he embodies the qualities that made Grace, in the book, so enjoyable.

Everyone who has read the book knew that the success of the movie would hinge on how well they would be able to translate Rocky. I think this is the biggest thrill. For a character with no face, they did a masterful job of projecting emotion through movement. If there were awards for such a thing, the team behind directing Rocky would be the favorites to win. (I can’t imagine this would be a crowded field.)

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Time will tell if this is as rewatchable as The Martian. I’ve watched that movie about 10 times now—and again just recently. I’m watching PHM again on Saturday with my wife this time—also a fan of the book. I’m curious how the second experience watching it will feel, especially since I can just sit and enjoy and not look for Peetimes. I’ll try to remember to pop back here and update my review if I have more thoughts on it.

Bottom line, I think this is a great science fiction movie that will appeal to everyone. It’s easy to watch regardless of demographic.

Thoughts After a Second Viewing

It really makes a difference when I get to watch a movie and not need to find Peetimes at the same time. It was much more enjoyable on a second watch. I noticed that the nearly packed theater laughed noticably about a dozen times. Theres’ nothing hilarious, but plenty that is worth a good laugh. You’ll find that the majority of those laughs are due to Rocky, who is a charming and delightful character. In fact, that’s probably the best way to describe the movie: charming and delightful.

A friend on Discord said it best: I just watched Project Hail Mary. Two thumbs down. Amaze. Amaze. Amaze. 

Grade: B+

About The Peetimes: Read a synopsis of first 3 minutes of this movie.

There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Project Hail Mary.

Plot
Science teacher Ryland Grace 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.

Dan Gardner

Creator and developer of the RunPee app. When something doesn’t work right in the app it’s pretty much his fault. 🙂

Aspiring author. Would like to finish his “Zombie Revelations” trilogy if he could break away for working on RunPee and the cottage he’s building for RunPee Mom.