Ryan Gosling Brings Heart and Humor to Project Hail Mary

I went into Project Hail Mary knowing almost nothing. The only thing I had heard was that it runs a little long, around two and a half hours. But since the screening was at 10 AM, I wasn’t afraid of dozing off, which used to be my fear every time I went to evening screenings. Thank you to Columbia Pictures for that. Haha!

What struck me most was just how big the movie feels. Not only in the visuals, but in the ideas as well. It manages to make an end of the world scenario feel fresh and unique. With a premise this serious, you might expect the tone to lean heavy or bleak. But having someone like Ryan Gosling at the center gives the movie a lighter energy that helps balance the serious premise.

The story definitely dives into intense, life or death moments, but I found myself really enjoying the humor sprinkled throughout. Mind you, this isn’t a full on comedy by any means. It’s just that having Ryan Gosling in the middle of it all naturally lightens the mood. In a way, it reminded me of the scope of Interstellar mixed with the playful wit of Guardians of the Galaxy.

I was locked in from start to finish and honestly didn’t feel the runtime at all. And if you’re planning to watch it, I’d definitely recommend seeing it in IMAX if you can. It feels like the kind of movie that was made for a screen that big. 

Project Hail Mary in Philippine cinemas this March 18!