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‘PROJECT HAIL MARY’ Rated PG-13
The destruction of Earth by asteroids, comets or sinister forces has long been a staple of Hollywood science-fiction thrillers. H.G. Wells’ classic novel “War of the Worlds” about a hostile Martian invasion of Earth was adapted for an authoritative science-fiction film in 1953.
As for comets or asteroids threatening Earth, 1998 proved to be a banner year with NASA recruiting oil drillers to save us from an asteroid the size of Texas in “Armageddon” and in “Deep Impact” a 7-mile-wide comet was on a collision course with our planet.
With “Project Hail Mary,” a fictional phenomenon called the Petrova Line, from Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, represents a curved arc of infrared light emitted by what is called Astrophage, a microorganism that feeds on solar energy that results in a serious threat to alter Earth’s climate.
Astrophage drains energy from all stars in the universe except apparently for the Tau Ceti solar system. What this means for Earth is that particles floating in space are diminishing the power of the sun. So much for global warming, as the threat moves toward a rapid encroachment of an Ice Age.
Enter Ryan Gosling’s middle school biology teacher Ryland Grace, an unlikely and reluctant hero who reminds Eva Stratt (Sandra Huller), the leader of an international task force, that he’s neither an astronaut nor suitable for taking on a suicide mission.
With civilization facing imminent doom, desperate times call for desperate measures, and Dr. Grace (he’s got a PhD) is a science nerd who has espoused apparently discredited theories but his potential for the mission is appreciated by Stratt’s efficient German utilitarian judgment.
Waking up from an induced coma on a spaceship that is light years away from home, Grace discovers that he’s wholly involved with a mission he wanted to avoid. The destination is to the one spot in the galaxy that is not affected by Astrophage.
The mission began with two experienced astronauts, Yao (Ken Leung) and Olesya (Milana Vayntrub), but unfortunately, they have accidentally died, and now Grace is alone and adrift in space, but as a math genius as well as scientist he adapts quickly to the task at hand.
Frequent flashbacks allow for more understanding of why Grace, whose molecular biology research was rejected by the science establishment, was picked for the mission. Grace may have been a lone scientific voice, but his proved to be the correct one.
Aside from his rapport with his students, not much more is known about Grace outside of his unfortunate interaction with the scientific community and his sparring with the autocratic Eva Stratt, who has more faith in him than he has in himself.
The outer space trip to Tau Ceti, which seems to be the only place immune to destruction, looks to be a one-way trip due to limits on available fuel. Without the other crew members, Grace must become a quick learner on handling spacecraft.
Facing isolation and loneliness, Grace is not alone for too long. An encounter with another much larger spaceship sent on an identical mission brings Grace into contact with an interesting alien being.
The sole survivor is a creature made of stone that has flexible limbs allowing it to move about in the manner of an ambulatory simian waving its arms. Communication between Grace and the creature that he calls Rocky begins tentatively with gestures.
The relationship between alien and human becomes a bonding exercise, where Grace and Rocky can eventually communicate verbally, with Rocky voiced by John Ortiz. The emotional connection between them turns into the heart of this space odyssey.
“Project Hail Mary” may remind some viewers of Christopher Nolan’s 2014 science-fiction blockbuster “Interstellar,” where in the dystopian future Earth faces extinction that leads to a group of astronauts traveling through space searching for a new home for humanity.
Despite the fact most critics gave it positive reviews, I don’t recall the Christopher Nolan epic with great enthusiasm for its space odyssey. To be fair, the visual effects were impressive.
For a sci-fi saga, “Project Hail Mary” works exceedingly well on an emotional level as this film proves to be a pleasant crowd-pleaser that is heartwarming and enjoyably entertaining and should be seen on the big screen.
Not enough credit can go to Ryan Gosling’s superb performance as the likable Everyman with the effortless charm and sense of humor which infuses his friendship with the alien. His T-shirt collection alone illustrates his quirky playfulness.
“Project Hail Mary” is all the better due to Gosling’s whimsical nature and easygoing charisma. Gosling owns this film the same way Tom Cruise is synonymous with the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.
“Project Hail Mary” is what Hollywood should strive to deliver, namely family-friendly entertainment, smart storytelling, and great characters.
The only possible drawback to “Project Hail Mary” is a running time slightly more than two-and-a-half hours, but rather than quibble about its length, this film should be enjoyed for being original and touchingly delightful.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.