InFrame

Gosling, Lord and Miller Make Science Fun in ‘Project Hail Mary’

This image released by Amazon MGM Studios shows Ryan Gosling in a scene from "Project Hail Mary." Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/Amazon MGM Studios via AP

by Lindsey Bahr  Mar 10

It’s been a minute since we’ve had a big screen space epic that’s as fun as it is awe inspiring. The last memorable one might have been “The Martian, ” so perhaps it shouldn’t be all that surprising that the drought is ending with another Andy Weir story adapted by Drew Goddard.

“Project Hail Mary,” directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, is the kind of spectacular cinematic adventure that we’ve been missing: A clever, sincere, most-ages crowd-pleaser that’s full of life, energy and a love of science, quirky T-shirts and “Interstellar.” It’s the kind of movie Disney really should be making, but, in this case, we have Amazon MGM to thank. And it will probably just get better with age and repeat viewings.

Ryan Gosling is put to the ultimate movie star test as the only person on the screen for a large part of the picture. It begins with his character, Ryland Grace, waking up from an extended sleep in a spaceship. His long hair and bushy beard suggest he’s been sleeping for quite some time (his highlights may tell a different story, but maybe I should repeat to myself it’s just a show and really just relax). Even worse, he’s alone and he has no idea how he got there or who he is.

The movie's not out to annoy you with wheelspinning: There are soon flashbacks and an alien friend added to the mix as he starts to piece together a picture of who he was on Earth (“Am I smart?” he wonders out loud) and try to complete his apparent mission to save the sun.

Except there’s the small matter that Grace is pretty sure he’s not a hero. On Earth, he was a middle school science teacher. When his students ask about the strange dots that have appeared outside the Earth’s atmosphere that seem to be causing the sun to die, he assures them that the world’s top minds are figuring it out. Against all movie logic when it comes to the extraordinary nobody, he's not excited to discover that he might be their only hope.

Some government types have found an old paper he wrote while getting his doctorate, an idea that made him the laughingstock of the scientific community. He tries to tell them at every step of the way that they’ve got the wrong guy for the job. “I ride a bike to work … and it’s not for exercise,” he tells Sandra Hüller’s project manager Eva Stratt. But he's scrappy and keeps working the problem.

“Project Hail Mary” does make you wonder whether a guy who looks like Ryan Gosling could disappear into the backdrop of his own life the way Grace has. But really what’s the point of that thought exercise? It doesn’t require too much suspension of disbelief to get invested in the journey of someone who essentially has to learn to believe in himself. And it doesn’t hurt when it also comes with an improbably cute alien sidekick who we’ll come to know as Rocky. He’s voiced by James Ortiz and is kind of like a golden retriever crossed with a genius architect. They soon become the best of friends, which can only mean one thing: You’re probably going to cry at some point.

While Grace and Rocky are the main show, Hüller is a particular standout as the dry, practical head of the operation. Gosling already spoiled her big, irresistible karaoke moment in his “Saturday Night Live” monologue, but I suspect it’ll still be a highlight. “The Bear’s” Lionel Boyce also lights up every scene he’s in as a private security/bodyguard type.

Lord and Miller haven’t directed a live action movie in some time, whether or not you count the ‘Solo’ Star Wars debacle, and it’s nice to have them back and teaming with a cinematographer with a keen grasp of scale and visual effects like Greig Fraser.

As in Lord and Miller’s animated movies, their tone and pace remain singular. “Project Hail Mary” might blow past a two-hour runtime and yet there’s rarely a dull moment with all the problem-solving, earnest irreverence and unabashed commitment to imbuing life and wit into every molecule of the story. Daniel Pemberton’s unusual, buoyant score and Joel Negron’s sharp editing are key.

So many filmmakers feel the need to overwhelm their intergalactic spectacles with pathos to match the cosmos. It’s kind of refreshing that “Project Hail Mary” doesn’t have a dead wife or kid weighing down our protagonist — just an alien friend and all of life on Earth.

“Project Hail Mary,” an Amazon MGM release in theaters March 20, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for “some thematic material and suggestive references.” Running time: 156 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.

Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Billy Porter Returns to Producing After Near-Fatal Sepsis Battle; Opens Up About Managing Diabetes and Surviving Life Support

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 20: Billy Porter attends "Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)" Opening Night at Longacre Theatre on November 20, 2025 in New York City. Photo Credit: Theo Wargo

by Chris Tremblay  Mar 10

Billy Porter, the Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actor known for his trailblazing roles and open advocacy as a gay man, has resumed his theatre work after a severe health scare. He is co-producing the London transfer of Sam Morrison’s acclaimed solo show "Sugar Daddy" at Underbelly Boulevard in Soho, running from March 5 to April 4, 2026. The production, which follows its Off-Broadway run in New York City in 2023, is a semi-autobiographical piece blending Morrison’s experiences with type 1 diabetes, love, and loss amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manfred is Soft Power, With a Hard Body

ManfredPhoto Credit: Manfred / Instagram

by Timothy Rawles  Mar 10

“Soft power” has become a modern term, and perhaps social media hottie Manfred represents its definition almost down to a tee.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ties Wilt's Record and Hits Winning 3 As Thunder Beat Nuggets 129-126

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Monday, March 9, 2026, in Oklahoma City. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Leong

by Cliff Brunt  Mar 10

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drilled a step-back 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left to cap a frantic final minute on a night he matched Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive 20-point games, and the Oklahoma City beat the Denver Nuggets 129-126 on Monday night.

Margot Robbie, Oprah Watch Blazy Transform Chanel With Color and Craft

A model wears a creation as part of the Chanel Fall/Winter 2026-2027 Women's collection presented in Paris, Monday, March 9, 2026. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard

by Thomas Adamson  Mar 10

Chanel 's Matthieu Blazy is still building.

Director Mendonça Filho of 'The Secret Agent' Reflects on Memory and Success of Brazilian Cinema

Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho, director of the Oscar nominated film The Secret Agent, poses for a portrait in Mexico City, Dec. 9, 2025. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Berenice Bautista

by Berenice Bautista  Mar 10

For the second consecutive year, the hypercompetitive category of best international film at the Academy Awards includes a Brazilian film that has also earned a nomination for best picture, best acting and achievement in casting.

Gay Hockey Player Matt Kenny Hailed as Hero by 9-Year-Old Fan at NHL Pride Cup

Photo Credit: Matt Kenny / Social Media

by Chris Tremblay  Mar 9

The third annual NHL Pride Cup took place on February 28, 2026, in Surrey, British Columbia, southeast of Vancouver, featuring a matchup between leading LGBTQ+ hockey associations from the Pacific Northwest: Vancouver’s The Cutting Edges and the Seattle Pride Hockey Association. The Cutting Edges won gold, with Seattle taking silver, and the NHL donated $25,000 to each team to support their community efforts.

Kesha Condemns White House Use of Her Song 'Blow' in Military TikTok Video, Calls It 'Disgusting and Inhumane'

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 17: Kesha attends iHeartRadio Hot 99.5's Jingle Ball 2024 Presented By Capital One at Capital One Arena on December 17, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

by Chris Tremblay  Mar 9

Pop artist Kesha has publicly denounced the White House for using her 2010 hit song "Blow" in a TikTok video that showcased military footage, describing the move as "disgusting and inhumane."

Tiffany Pollard Confirms Non-Binary Identity and Pronouns in Recent Interview

Photo Credit: E Entertainment

by Chris Tremblay  Mar 9

Tiffany Pollard, the 44-year-old reality television star known for her roles on "I Love New York", "Celebrity Big Brother", and "House of Villains", has publicly confirmed her non-binary gender identity and clarified the pronouns she uses in a recent interview with comedian Ziwe Fumudoh.

Lady Gaga Confirms Wedding to Fiancé Michael Polansky is Imminent in Pre-Recorded Message to Bruno Mars

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Michael Polansky and Lady Gaga attend SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025 in New York City. Photo Credit: Arturo Holmes

by Chris Tremblay  Mar 9

Lady Gaga, the Grammy-winning artist known for her advocacy in LGBTQ+ rights, provided a rare update on her wedding plans during a pre-recorded message played on Bruno Mars' "Romantic Radio" TikTok Live with iHeartRadio on March 6, 2026.