AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on August 07, 2026, 06:20:34 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/I9PrlJE.jpeg)
Studio: Amazon Studios
Release Date: August 11, 2026
Rating: PG-13
Film: 5/5
Plot
Based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary follows middle‑school science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), who wakes up alone on a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As fragments of his past return, Grace discovers he’s on a desperate mission to save Earth from an extinction‑level event — and he’s the only human left who can complete it.
My Thoughts
Andy Weir’s first novel, The Martian, is one of my favorite movies of the past 20 years, and it inspired me to read the book it was based on, which I enjoyed just as much. So when I heard that his latest book, Project Hail Mary, was going to hit theaters, I couldn’t wait to see it. All I can say is WOW — the film does a great job of balancing the scientific challenges with the emotional weight of what Grace is facing. As much as Gosling nails the role, it’s Rocky who steals the show. I want to remain spoiler‑free, but the relationship between Grace and Rocky is where this film shines, and it’s a rare sci‑fi film that can make you both laugh and cry throughout its 156‑minute runtime.
The film is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and the pair do a great job of keeping the pacing just right for the subject matter. They gracefully bounce between Grace’s present‑day mission while also exploring his slowly returning memories. I saw the film in theaters, and even though this was my second viewing, knowing the ending didn’t take away one moment of enjoyment. While the film is definitely sci‑fi, it’s really a character‑driven story that delivers from beginning to end.
It’s rare to find a new film that doesn’t shine in 4K, and this is no exception. The image is razor‑sharp with pinpoint resolution, and the HDR grade is used to excellent effect throughout the film. Blacks are inky and stable — a must given that most of the film takes place in space — and the dimly lit interiors of the spaceship are very revealing with detail. Color reproduction is excellent, and skin tones look natural and accurate.
The Dolby Atmos track is powerful and immersive, although it leans more heavily on the bed channels than the overheads. The front and surround channels are extremely active, delivering crisp dialogue, detailed environmental cues, and strong directional effects. While the overheads are present, I felt like they could have been used more aggressively to make the most of the environments portrayed in the film. Dialogue reproduction is excellent, coupled with strong dynamics and LFE.
Video 9.5/10
Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary by Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
- Earth’s Favorite Eridian Featurette
- Deleted Scenes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m08TxIsFTRI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m08TxIsFTRI)
Conclusion
My wife and I absolutely loved Project Hail Mary. It’s one of the best sci‑fi films in recent memory, and I can’t wait to finally read the novel. Gosling delivers a standout performance as the stranded space traveler, and his relationship with Rocky is wildly entertaining and convincingly shows how the two become the best of friends. Amazon’s theatrical releases have been less‑than‑stellar, but they hit the ball out of the park on this one. The UHD has excellent A/V quality and, like The Martian, can be watched over and over again without ever becoming dull. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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Thanks for the review, David. I liked it a little less than you, feeling it was just a tad too long, but I hadn't read the book either. One of my coworkers watched the movie and read (well, listened to) the book and loved it as much as you did.
I had the great pleasure of watching this on a friend's top-of-notch system for both video and audio quality, and he loves the film as well. If you have the chance to experience it with D-BOX, make sure you take advantage of it. The subtle movements in space really added a whole new dimension to the experience, making you feel like you're in space with our two heroes.
I concur with your high recommendation for this one, and it's one that will live up to repeat viewings. This is one that people will want to watch with friends and family.
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David,
I miss this movie when it was in the theater and wanted to see it on the big screen. but I after reading your review I have just ordered it and we’ll have to wait a few weeks to see it. You highlight the fact that it looks so good and sounds so good and it’s something that I might want to see again. Movies like that. I want to see on disc and not stream. it sounds really good, thanks again for posting
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David,
I miss this movie when it was in the theater and wanted to see it on the big screen. but I after reading your review I have just ordered it and we’ll have to wait a few weeks to see it. You highlight the fact that it looks so good and sounds so good and it’s something that I might want to see again. Movies like that. I want to see on disc and not stream. it sounds really good, thanks again for posting
Let me know what you think Barry!
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Greetings,
Great review Dave. I feel the same across the board. We totally enjoyed this.
Regards,
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Loved this. Some people had issue with the silly nature of a character. I didn’t.
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I just bought the book and look forward to reading it.
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Quote from: AVSBrian (https://discuss.avscience.com/index.php?topic=5134.msg32412#msg32412) 8/9/2026, 6:12:08 AM
Loved this. Some people had issue with the silly nature of a character. I didn’t.
I really liked the movie a lot, but my issue here was more that I felt they overextended some of the comic bits. Like a good joke, timing and knowing when to clinch the punchline and move on are important. But I loved several aspects of the story including the alien that felt truly alien. It seems like 95% of aliens are essentially dressed up humans or monsters.
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I just bought the book and look forward to reading it.
I’ve heard it’s even better.
I almost bought it as one of my summer reads. I went with IT for my current read (actually never read it before )
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It's next on my list. I'm finishing a biography of General Custer (The Trials of General Custer). Everyone knows about his death (we learned that in history), but I never realized what a crazy life he lead before that fateful day!