NINETOES VS. PROJECT HAIL MARY (FILM)

Ninetoes went for a trip in space and met two very interesting characters in the film adaptation of Andy Wier’s PROJECT HAIL MARY.

A science teacher wakes up alone on a spaceship. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing Earth’s sun, and realizes that an unexpected friendship may be the key.

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Written by Drew Goddard based on the novel by Andy Weir

Starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Muller, and James Ortiz

Hey there, movie lovers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ. Today I am taking a look at Project Hail Mary. I have popcorn in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

I grew up reading and watching science fiction. I love the stuff! I love how it plays in my imagination. I read Andy Weir’s book Project Hail Mary, and I wondered how it would translate to the big screen (television). Well, last Saturday night, I got my chance to find out. My wife and I settled down to watch it on MGM+.

Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship 11.9 lightyears from home. He cannot even add 2+2 to begin with after he wakes up from an induced coma (he has been asleep for a long time. Hello Rip Van Winkle!), but he slowly gets his bearings. Now, we are led to believe that he is just a middle school teacher, but he does have one hell of a brain (once it gets working). While coasting along on his journey, he encounters another spaceship, and an alien (get ready to fall in love, y’all), and now it is up to these two to save their planets. The question is, can they? And IF they can, will the solution be on time, or will everyone die.

The movie ALMOST follows the book line for line. Sure, they had to dump some stuff, but it is understandable. What sets the movie apart from the book is that I did not get bogged down in the technical science aspect. It was covered, but in a faster, more entertaining way.

Ryan Gosling was a case of perfect casting for the character Ryland Grace. It was as if he were born for this role. And Sandra Muller was exceptional as the leader of Project Hail Mary, Eva Stratt. (My wife kept thinking that these two were going to hook up at one point, but it is not that kind of movie. Sorry to disappoint.) James Ortiz, as the voice of Rocky, was sublime. The three worked so well that I thought they were life-long work partners.

The story is a warning without realizing it is a warning. The sun is slowly being destroyed. When it goes out, the planet is doomed. I felt that this was the writer’s way of telling us to get our shit together before WE destroy the planet before the sun can go out. Now, some of you may be thinking, “That is one hell of a leap, Ninetoes.” And you may disagree with me. That is okay. This is the feeling I got from it. Am I reading between the lines? You bet your boots I am!

There is one point from the book that I wish were in the movie. That is in what they had to build to produce the astrophage,  where they had to build it, and what it took to do so. Considering the…plight? (Is that the right word?) that various areas are facing the development of data centers to drive AI along, this was a perfect analogy.

The special effects were outstanding. At one point, Grace is taking in a sight (which is truly magnificent), and Rocky thinks something is wrong. Grace tells him, “I am just having a moment.” That is the perfect summation of this movie. I had a moment…in fact, I had a 2-hour and 36-minute moment!

And I loved every bit of it!

This movie is perfect for hard science fiction fans, outer space fans, cute alien fans, and fans of great storytelling and acting!

I give this movie 5 mammoth popcorn buckets out of 5!

Until the next time, I bid you happy viewing!

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing, nor do the views or opinions of Crystal Lake necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or its staff. Thank you for understanding.