Project Hail Mary
I docked my score a bit because the ending felt so rushed/condensed to the point where it soured my watch just a tinge, but otherwise Project Hail Mary is an absolute blast. I had a smile on my face the entire time. Ryan Gosling is so perfect for his role here, at least from someone who hasn’t read the book, but my book-reader friends tell me the same. I don’t know if this will be nominated for anything besides the technical categories, but it’s a must watch for the young 2026 year.
-Z
The ZEJ team was pretty disappointed when we saw a preview for this movie that seemed to give away the entire plot, but despite all odds, that was NOT the case. There is a lot to the plot of this movie, and I’m excited to try to read the book this summer. I personally love a space travel plot, but this one still felt new and very fun. Ryan Gosling is perfect for the leading role and the effects/production design were spot on - I’m sure this will earn a few Oscar nominations come next year. There were a few moments that felt a little cliche/typical Blockbuster-y, and a couple of plot points that felt rushed to the point that I missed a few things, but I was thoroughly impressed overall and would highly recommend it!
-E
I do not know what The Academy will do with this, if anything, but I believe I may have watched one of my more enjoyable theater experiences of 2026. I know that is a big claim, but I really enjoyed this film top to bottom. It was funny, well-acted, and delivered some genuinely heartfelt moments. It leaned more blockbuster than art, but in the best ways. Ryan Gosling is a treat and I will watch anything he is in. It wasn't perfect — there were some pacing issues and a few questions that could probably be answered by reading the book — but I think this is a must-watch for all movie lovers, even casual ones.
-J
