Review: 'Project Hail Mary' is emotionally powerful, beautiful

During formative childhood and into my teenage years, the study of space exploration created a deep fascination. I have memories of participating in Starlab activities in elementary school learning about star constellations, names of planets and understanding distance in light years outside of our solar system. That fascination found a translation into research of the scientific possibility of life existing outside of our planetary atmosphere.

Stories of space exploration serve as a powerful structural foundation in memorable films, series and novelizations ranging from "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" to "Stargate," "Aliens," "Starman" and "Contact." I can remember my father introducing me to those elements of science fiction at an early age. From that point on, learning, reading and maintaining a strong principled belief in alien life deep into the vastness of space remains.

"Project Hail Mary" originally came in the form of a novelization, written by Andy Weir, author of "The Martian," which went on to receive a successful live-action cinematic adaptation starring Matt Damon and directed by Ridley Scott. My familiarity with the source material itself admittedly is not expert. I have heard and read fantastic reviews about the book, regarding it as an excellently written science fiction piece. Christopher Miller and Phil Lord direct this adaptation. These two brought forth "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," "The Lego Movie" and "21 and 22 Jump Street." It stars Ryan Gosling portraying molecular scientist/instructor Dr. Ryland Grace, tasked by the government to find a solution to why the Earth's sun is dying. The sun dying creates an apocalyptic scenario of impending famine and human extinction with an oncoming winter temperature eliminating all of life. He awakens on a spaceship with no memory, completely isolated from any communication from all living beings.

Ryland begins his journey of hypothesizing, formulating answers of his purpose, using the scientific method to bring true understanding as to why he is on this perilous journey in an intentionally non-sequential linear story. Unexpectedly he encounters a mysterious alien rock species. Revelations unveil the alien is on the exact mission, as the sun on his world is dying, too.

What follows is a developing relationship between two species translating into moments involving humor, intensity and powerful emotions with the bond signifying the definition of inseparable. I will say the visuals of space and the environment in which Grace communicates with the alien have an eerie, hauntingly beautiful presentation resembling an ethereal perspective. I found how they accomplished the set design relying more on practicality and organic atmosphere rather than computer-generated imagery refreshing. There is an authentic immersion of being able to escape within the narrative, placing the viewer into that world, granting this feeling as if you are living in the vastness of space communicating with an unknown species.

Ryland's affection grows for the alien rock, naming him "Rocky" after the character Rocky Balboa. Their relationship deepens in an unexpected way with how they are learning about each other's intellect, differences in their worlds and how they eventually depend on one another for their survival. Gosling's performance is an absolute highlight as a one-of-a-kind demonstration of elite, quality and emotive acting. The way he carries this film as a solo performance acting along with an animatronic/puppetry creation offers a sincere, raw, realistic portrayal of a man finding courage and friendship amid impossible odds.

The innovative technique of using animatronic and practical effects for "Rocky" is a reminder of what is solely missing within the foundation of cinema in our modern era. There is a magic emotional appreciation for real effects instead of pretending to interact with a character that is not in the vicinity of the actual set. Rocky is an adorable creature who is easily lovable, and like Ryland, viewers immediately become attached in a strict emotional and protective point of view.

Where Lord and Miller capture your heart is with Rocky. Full disclosure: Films revolving around a strong emotional character arc involving animals, inanimate objects, human characters or intentional depressing themes are problematic for me for personal reasons. Certain films, television series, images and novels I am unable to allow myself to engage in due to the harsh impact emotionally. There were moments in the film where it was imperative for me to regain my composure because of the powerful narrative and the memories it conjured. There are never-ending elements of beautiful moments visually, thematically, intended to bring about the appropriate reactions organically. For me personally, moments in those scenes specifically impacted me significantly. Those scenes are very moving with beautiful emotion and intentional pulling at the heart strings.

"Project Hail Mary" is a solo vehicle of Gosling carrying the story on his shoulders, and he channels all his charm, intense passion and realistic reactions that bring the narrative to life. His performance challenged me to seek out other cinematic outings from his filmography that I have not had the chance to view. This film is the perfect blend of powerful acting and humor, scientifically interesting, and even had me remembering the hope I experienced from past viewings of films centering on extraterrestrial intelligence in space, the hope that if an encounter occurred it would be one of peace and understanding of one another.

"Project Hail Mary" is a powerful and beautiful emotional journey. Perfect in every sense of the word, and I have no negative connotations about this epic adventure of friendship, science, courage and wonderment. A resounding 10/10 and two thumbs up is my reaction. It is a must see.

To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.