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Project Hail Mary – Review
Project Hail Mary – Budget of $248 million – 2 hours and 36 minutes
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Dr. Ryland Grace wakes up from a medically induced coma on the Hail Mary spaceship. He’s been unconscious for years and doesn’t remember who he is, where he is, or why he’s here. As he attempts to grasp reality, his memories flood his mind. He looks around the ship to find that two of his crew members have died. Ryland doesn’t have a pilot or an engineer. He thinks back to his time on earth and its problems.
Ryland taught middle school science. His students prattled about the dying sun. A scientist discovered an infrared line connecting the Sun to Venus and named it the Petrova Line. Since then, people have noticed the sun is slowly dying. At this rate, the Earth will run out of food, and people will die. Ryland assured the kids that great thinkers are working on a solution. So they should trust that the government is working on it. Government Administrator Eva Stratt entered Ryland’s room with his dissertation after class. Eva believed that Ryland’s unconventional thinking would help. He requested more time, but Eva said no. She had Officer Carl strongly insist that Ryland leave with them. They took Ryland to a private base and explained that the Petrova Line is filled with an unknown energy source. Ryland uncovered its secrets and how to create more. He named it Astrophage. Eva grabbed Ryland and brought him into a room with the top scientists from every corner of the world. He explained his findings, and they told him about Project Hail Mary. The same phenomenon affecting Earth’s Sun was impacting all the stars except one, Tau Ceti. They want to turn the Astrophage into fuel and fly to Tau Ceti. They can study why it has survived. However, the brave astronauts will only have enough fuel to get there. Their lives will end in space.
Back on the ship, Ryland believes he’s alone and researches the Petrova Line. Then, the ship alerts Ryland to a blip on the monitor. It’s another spacecraft. He tries to dodge it, but the inhabitants want to make contact. When they meet, Ryland can’t believe his eyes. It’s a highly intelligent, mobile rock formation. They find a way to communicate after trial and error. Ryland names the formation Rocky. Ryland learns that the sun of Rocky’s home planet, Erid, is dying like Earth’s. His kind sent his crew to discover a cure. However, Rocky’s crewmembers died. He is the only one left. As Rocky and Ryland work together, can they save their planets?
Based on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, this film brings the beloved story to life with great action, a compelling storyline, and plenty of dry humor (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The story isn’t linear. Whenever Ryland has a moment alone, the amnesia slowly lifts. The mystery of how he became an astronaut is intriguing and heartbreaking. Ryland and Rocky are brilliant. However, Rocky has self-confidence that Ryland lacks. Ryland has information that Rocky has never heard of before. They are an unlikely pair that become science bros. The interstellar camera and digital work are astounding. It keeps you grounded while allowing the audience to immerse themselves in a fantasy world. The sound editing has noticeable flaws, but it doesn’t distract from this stellar picture. The plot is profound and unapologetically defines the word ‘brave.’ You will be on the edge of your seat because the script lets you bond with Ryland and Rocky. The writer offered quips and sarcastic remarks to bring humor to the film. Don’t be surprised if you need to see this film again. It’s worth every penny.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I need you to come with us – Eva
Carl and I made a baby – Ryland
I make door. You close door – Rocky
I’m not doing that – Carl
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Tuner – Review
Tuner – Budget of $7 million – 1 hour and 47 minutes
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Niki travels with his mentor, Harry, to tune pianos. They have spirited conversations, with Harry offering Niki life advice. During dinner, Harry’s wife, Marla, asks Harry where his hearing aids are. Harry confesses that he accidentally locked them in the safe and doesn’t remember the new combination. Harry needs them for his doctor’s appointment. Niki offers to crack it at home before Harry’s physical. Marla alerts Niki about Harry’s tuning appointments tomorrow as he leaves with the safe. Niki watches YouTube videos throughout the night and learns to crack a safe using his hyperacusis. He becomes ill with acute, loud sounds. However, it makes him more sensitive to combination locks and pianos.
Niki visits Shafitz Hall to fix their main piano. He hears Ruthie playing and becomes captivated. He warns her that he will need 2 hours to tune the instrument, and she leaves in a huff because she booked the room. Afterward, Niki alerts her that the job is complete. She plays a few notes, and he can hear that something is wrong. He tunes it again while impressing Ruthie. She discovers he has perfect pitch before he leaves. Niki arrives at a wealthy client before their fundraiser. He warns the coordinator that he can’t work while the event staff loudly set up. She gives him money for lunch and asks him to return after the workers leave. Niki returns and tunes the piano. But a thump upstairs distracts him. He follows the sound, puts on noise-cancelling headphones, and finds Uri, Benny, and Yoni using tools to open a safe. They lie to Niki about why they are there. He doesn’t care. He only wants them to keep the noise down. Uri states that they will if he can open the safe. Niki opens the safe, leaves the room, and finishes his job. Uri gives Niki $100 and offers him more money for future safe cracking after leaving his business card.
Niki and Harry take a break during their appointments and stop at a local diner. Niki gets quiet when he sees Ruthie at the counter. Harry pushes Niki to walk her to school and carry her books. It’s an awkward walk, but they get to know each other. Niki returns to the diner to find paramedics loading Harry into an ambulance. Marla confesses that Harry stopped paying his medical insurance premiums in protest. Now they are $37,000 behind with no way to pay their mounting bills. Niki calls Uri to work with him and make fast money. He believes it will be quick, easy cash. But when his personal life collides with his love life, can Niki keep everything in tune?
This film has an indie movie feel without being pretentious. The backing track and composition flow perfectly within the scene without dominating it. The camera shakes and loses focus each time Niki’s environment disrupts his physical state. This allows the audience to empathize with Niki’s ailment while feeling his pain. As the script follows Niki’s moral decline, you discover that Niki isn’t losing himself. He’s been lost for a while and is barely keeping it together. If you are a Baby Driver fan, you may assume that you know where the story is going to conclude. However, you are wrong. The story throws a curveball to keep you on your toes. This film’s dialogue offers an easy laugh without being grotesque. And the love story feels unnecessary until everything comes full circle. This film is a gem and award-worthy.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
E flat is out – Niki
What am I going to do with you – Marla
Play the old fart something – Harry
Do you have perfect pitch – Ruthie
Tuner, how are you brother – Uri
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