Statement: A pretty stellar sci-fi movie with stunning visuals and corny jokes that surprisingly bring it together.

Based on the book of the same name by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary premiered on Mar. 20, guiding viewers through a series of memory-like sequences that chronicle former middle school science teacher, Ryland Grace’s (Ryan Gosling) journey to discover why an alien species is devouring our sun. It’s nice to think that, this time, we aren’t the ones responsible for the planet’s downfall. 

During his journey, Grace meets a rock-like creature, Rocky (voiced by James Ortiz), reminiscent of spiders or crustaceans of our world. Unlike the usual humanoid aliens in sci-fi, Rocky’s species seems realistic, as if it evolved on another planet rather than just being imagined. All in all, both have the same mission: save their planet from these sun-eating creatures. 

There’s a lot this movie gets right – stunning visuals that leave viewers in awe, a soundtrack that seamlessly balances lighthearted moments with tension and the dynamic between Grace and Rocky, which feels like a difficult roommate situation, yet remains cute nonetheless. 

In one scene, Grace studies a swirling planet of green and orange gas that appears to offer hope for both him and Rocky. The view shifts when infrared light is used (the only way to understand the sun-eating creatures is through this), revealing a deeper scientific significance. 

Red and white particles drift and pulse across the screen, creating a jaw-dropping moment – one that becomes almost comical when Rocky asks why Grace is doing backflips in space, where Grace explains that he’s “just having a moment.” 

These comical scenes are shown throughout the film through Rocky and Grace's little quips and actions. However, at times, they get muddled and dull. It’s not enjoyable when a one-liner becomes an every-liner; then, the jokes seem forced. 

Yes, these jokes are scattered throughout, but they give the film a softer, livelier tone that sets it apart from the more technical science often found in modern sci-fi. 

The explanations about science are simple for the average viewer, and it’s easy to follow if you know nothing about microbiology, or basic questions like whether Mars or Venus comes first in the solar system. 

Even Gosling’s acting style, something reminiscent of his Ken days in the Barbie movie, seems to stick, and gives his character a little more oomph after being forced into a suicide mission on a spaceship light-years away. 

A satisfying ending for this almost two-and-a-half-hour movie shows Grace returning to his teaching roots, not teaching human children, but Rocky’s species, who seem to care more about school than the average middle schooler. 

The little smirk on Grace’s face in the final frame shows that he’s right where he wants to be – not on Earth, but with creatures who truly care about his work, showcasing a found family type trope in this movie. Yes, the jokes are still there, but it’s a cute way to end stressful sequences a few scenes before. 

At the end of the day, Project Hail Mary isn’t really about space travel; it’s about the relationship between two unlikely partners showing that even throughout our vast universe, connection can be found, and, yeah, I guess sun-saving can still be on the radar.