“Project Hail Mary” was an interesting mix of “The Martian” and “Ad Astra”. you don’t quite feel the full 2 hours 36 minutes, but you do feel like you’ve been here a while. The music is a character unto itself, and adds well to the atmosphere of the movie. there was one scene where Ryan Gosling bled through, and it just so happened to be the scene where his character has a true burst of emotion.
I don’t think you necessarily have to read the book source material to enjoy this film. I ended up skipping the book myself, and I enjoyed this movie.
Having skipped the book, I did not see two gut punches that came down the pipe.
The first gut punch plays with the idea of people having an inner spark that rises to the occasion, and resolves a statement made by The main character about himself. However, a little twist to this is given by a government goon as the gut punch is delivered.
The second gut punch is resolved rather nicely.
There is no end credit scene, but there is a little haha involving the MGM lion at the very end.
I do recommend you sit through the credits. The music, and the visuals behind the credits are worth it.
Now, who can tell me the speed of light?