Expecting more, I went out of my way to see PROJECT HAIL MARY at a theatre with D-box and XD. Turns out, this is a much quieter, smaller film than all of that. Very few moments of D-box (Chair Motion) effects, and the implementations that do occur - don't quite align. This was my first XD experience. Again, I was similarly underwhelmed. In general, XD did not wow me, in fact, I wonder if I'm loosing something with a less wide aspect ratio.

As for the film content, Gosling is excellent - and goodness, he needs to be - as during half of the film he's the only human on screen. Think "Cast Away" in space.

PROJECT HAIL MARY tells two stories. The first is told on Earth (prior to launch), and the second, in space. These narratives unravel intermittently, which mostly works. The Earth narrative is much more interesting, wider in scope, a far more nuanced intertwining of nicely developed personalities. I also found the science mysteries more intriguing while on Earth. In space, I felt the momentum stalled, causing the film to float somewhat aimlessly. Here, the gravity and friction (dramatically speaking) feel more artificial. Also, I started to question the science that explained the problems and solutions born in space. (To be fair, just because I questioned them ... doesn't mean I was right to.) Nonetheless, I began to feel more manipulated by the twists than immersed in a challenging journey of curiosity and wonder.

At 1.5 hours, I think I would have been engaged the whole time, but at 2.5 hours ... not so much.

That said, the film has some beautiful moments. I wonder what this project might have looked like if it were released in 2 parts: Part I (up to launch). Part II (after Launch). I'm sure that second part would be even more challenging w/o the intermittent flashback sequences. But then again, perhaps more intensely immersive?

Other viewers were far more swept away with the film. My buddy said he laughed and cried. In fact, at my screening, I could audibly hear viewers weeping in the audience - sniffles and sobs. I think for those with whom the film connects, well, they may just have a religious experience - Hail Mary.

I do love this quote (slightly adapted as not to spoil): "If we're going to save our planet, we have to learn to communicate."