I admit to being surprised by the overwhelmingly positivity found in nearly every early reaction to “Project Hail Mary”. I know that the film’s star, Ryan Gosling is infinitely likable and has a strong and very vocal fanbase. But “Project Hail Mary” follows the kind of feel-good formula that often gets panned by more cynical critics and crowds. And it isn’t the most original slice of science-fiction to come down the cinematic pipeline.

But here’s the good news. “Project Hail Mary” is a winner. It’s a big-hearted and proudly human science-fiction adventure that is propelled by the effortless charisma of its beloved star. And this is the kind of role that fits perfectly with the current phase of Gosling’s career. He’s occasionally too silly and overly charming. But he remains remarkably grounded which keeps this unexpectedly gripping crowd-pleaser anchored for most of its hefty running time.

Written for the screen by Drew Goddard, “Project Hail Mary” is an adaptation of Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name. The directing duo of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller once again bring their blend of jaw-dropping spectacle with childlike wonder, which energizes a story that certainly doesn’t break new ground. But the emphasis they place on smaller, humanity-infused details rivals any of the grander deep-space set pieces they deliver. And their film’s moving thematic shift in the second half is the icing on the cake.

The movie begins with what plays like a fairly conventional ‘save the planet’ story. Earth’s scientists have discovered that our sun is slowly dying. A rapidly reproducing, parasitic microorganism called Astrophage is consuming our sun’s energy, which in time will inevitably lead to a catastrophic cooling of Earth. To stop the extinction level event, scientists scramble to find a solution. They discover that the Astrophage has affected every known star but one – Tau Ceti.

Enter Dr. Ryland Grace (Gosling), an ostracized molecular biologist who has found his place as a middle school science teacher. One day he is approached by Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller), the head of the multinational Hail Mary project. She recruits him to join their last desperate attempt to save the planet – a one-way mission to Tau Ceti to learn why the star remains unaffected by the Astrophage.

All of the above is mostly revealed through a series of well-incorporated flashbacks. The film’s nonlinear storytelling actually begins with Grace waking up from an induced coma, only to learn that he is the lone member of his three-person crew to survive the long journey to Tau Ceti. Light years away from home and all on his own, Grace must pull it together and complete their mission if Earth is to have any chance at survival.

The movie takes an interesting turn after Grace discovers he’s not to the only one there to research Tau Ceti. He makes first contact with an inquisitive stone-like alien who also happens to be the soul survivor of his crew sent to save his planet from the Astrophage. Their initial caution turns to curiosity as the two space travelers connect over a shared purpose. Soon they’re bridging their communication gap, sharing their knowledge, and working together to stop the destruction of their home worlds.

While their theorizing and experimenting is fun to watch, it’s the heartfelt development of their friendship that sends the story in a new direction. Grace gives his new pal the name Rocky and the two only get closer through the urgency of their missions. Rocky is the creation of Oscar-winning effects artist Neal Scanlan and was a brought to life through animatronics, puppeteering, and some VFX. Rocky is a magnificent creation who we immediately believe and invest in.

At 156 minutes, “Project Hail Mary” runs a little long, bogging down just a little around the halfway mark. But Lord and Miller quickly kick their story back into gear, transporting us through a thrilling cinematic journey that is equal parts spectacular and personal. The film looks amazing with its heavy reliance on impressive practical effects. Yet it’s the inescapable feel-good charm and stirring emotional core that makes the film so utterly irresistible. Again, it doesn’t break new ground. But it’s hard to knock it when it does what it does so well.

VERDICT – 4 STARS