Project Hail Mary: Date Night along with other adults.

I cannot tell you the last movie that I’ve been to where the theater was populated predominantly with adults forty years of age or older. The film was wonderful, but what’s more was how pleasant the viewing experience was in a quiet theater with other adults there to WATCH THE MOVIE, not to live stream, or be influencers, or be chronically online for the film’s duration. It was pleasant to go two hours and thirty six minutes without seeing, or hearing a cell phone, tablet, or laptop computer peep once. We all sat back in our seats, looking forward, and sniffled through the tender moments, and luxuriate in the emotional tension the film doesn’t shy away from. No quick snap to a joke to alleviate the pain. It was tremendous.

I read the book several years ago, so while I am aware of the story, it isn’t exactly fresh in my mind, so I enjoyed the adaptation. It felt authentic to the source material even if much was left out. I’m ok with that. It’s the price you pay from moving from the written word to a visual medium. It’s still good. I also like the fact it isn’t all explosions, gun shots, fighting with no character development like much of our modern Netflix direct to home video type content. Faulty people with human responses to stimuli. Refreshing. Also, doesn’t need a sequel. Great as a stand alone. Why not develop Artemis as well if you want more Andy Weir characters to follow around on screen.

I can see why some folks felt it was slow, I get it, I understand your point, but I reject it whole heartedly. We’re so impatient we skip the build up for drawn out, exhausting spectacle, in a lot of tent pole movies these days, and there’s no pay off for anything anymore. The ending here feels earned. I like that. The film will let you sit with your glassy wet eyes, tears or sniffles. It’s not a melodrama by any means, but it gave itself space to breath, and I appreciate the control it took to keep those frames in the movie, instead of cutting it short. Phil & Lord have made some well crafted movies together, and I hope that continues.