Project Hail Mary (2026)

 

Loved it. A nerdy space flick that puts in the work with the science and storytelling, yielding emotional investment later on. Ryan Gosling is outstanding. No one could have done it better. So much is conveyed through his eyes and facial expressions. He is effortlessly funny throughout the film. Incredibly witty dialogue between him and Rocky. 

I appreciated the attention to detail, like with developing the communication between Grace and Rocky. Nothing was glossed over like in other sci fi movies. Their friendship felt genuine and believable. 

Sticking the landing is the toughest thing to do in screenplays, and they nailed it. Happy, hopeful, and satisfying. Ryan Gosling deserves an Oscar nomination and the film deserves an adapted screenplay nom. 

Rating: A

Vanilla Sky (2001)

 

Tom Cruise acts the hell out of this confusing script. 

Rating: C

The Family Man (2000)

This "It's a Wonderful Life" retread isn't too bad. That little daughter can act up a storm.

Rating: C+

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

I like movies that enter new boundaries. Movies that are original and different on many levels. A.I. is one of them. The film moves slowly, but held my interest the whole time. I liked their depiction of the future; very creative. The plot took some unexpected turns which I never expected, although at times (especially towards the end) I would have rather they followed a different route.

I didn't think the ending was very good, but at least it wasn't a big letdown like the one in "Contact".

Rating: C+

Saw (2004)

I "saw" this on cable, and it was much better than I expected. That's usually the case with movies I think are horror films but turn out to be psychological thrillers. I noticed several plot holes, but I appreciated the attempt nonetheless.

Rating: C+

Inside Man (2006)

Pretty intense, clever, and fun. Would have appreciated a better ending, but you can't win them all.

Rating: C+

Red Dragon (2002)

Keep in mind I read all three books and loved them. I thought they did an excellent job of translating the 3 books to the screen. Red Dragon, as opposed to Manhunter, was much more true to the original story, and very well made.

The cast of actors they pulled together for this film was a true feat of genius. They couldn't have done a better job. Anthony Hopkins hasn't lost his edge a bit. The charaters truley came to life, and put on one hell of a show.

Very disturbing film with some grisly images and a great climatic ending. I was grasping my pillow for dear life. (and I already knew the ending more or less)

Rating: B

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

I can appreciate what this movie was trying to do, but in the end, I really didn't want it done. It's one of those indie films that likes to shock it's audience by engaging minors in adult situations with plenty of harsh language. There are some good scenes here and there, but it's mostly depressing.

Rating: C-