Watch Kids' Reviews of
PROJECT HAIL MARY

Project Hail Mary is a thrilling trip through the universe that I will not soon forget. A strong and compelling plot, coupled with creative expressions of scientific theories and technology are just a few highlights of this powerful book to screen adaptation.

Waking up alone on a spaceship is a tough way to picture yourself, but for middle school science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), it's reality. With only a vague recollection of his life on Earth, no company, and no apparent way home, he figures he's done for. But as his memories start to return, he remembers his mission: to save Earth from a parasitic species of alien microorganisms that are eating the sun. Though this sounds impossible, he won't be alone for the task. Enter Rocky (James Ortiz), an alien whose solar system has the same deadly infection as Grace's. Working together, these two have a chance to rescue their home worlds, and maybe even the entire universe.

The best way to describe this film is strong. Ryan Gosling is perfectly suited for the role of Ryland Grace, ensuring the importance and gravity of Grace and Rocky's mission is front and center. The directors took a creative and unique approach in creating an alien comrade for Grace, and it pays off. Instead of designing a being that's slightly similar to a human, Rocky is, well... basically a living rock. This adds distinction between our two heroes, and further heightens the principle of learning to work together on a project that can make or break the future, despite their great differences. A unique aspect of Project Hail Mary is that not one green screen was used during production. Instead, it features thousands of VFX shots for special effects, and the entire interior of the Hail Mary ship is built as a practical set! Methods like wire and puppeteer removals are employed, and shots are filmed in front of black backgrounds for space and shifting hues for planets to achieve unique interactive light. The storyline itself is special in the sense that it incorporates Ryland's space journey, while mixing in the events that transpired on Earth that got Grace to where he finds himself now.

This film's message shows us that through friendship, even the hardest problems can be solved. Grace has the impossible task of saving humanity and the universe from a threat that no one has a clue how to defeat. When he and Rocky put their heads together, the solution to their quest is nothing short of extraordinary.

I give Project Hail Mary 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Project Hail Mary rockets into theaters on March 20, 2026. Go check it out!

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Project Hail Mary is a visual spectacle with great characters, a heartwarming theme and a roller coaster of emotions.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years away from earth only to learn that he must save the Earth from a mysterious threat that is killing the sun. He makes an unlikely friendship that might be the key.

This film is based on the book by the same name by Andy Weir. I cannot speak to whether this film is accurate to the book or not but the film definitely works on its own. Project Hail Mary truly had me engaged for its full run time. It's full of suspense, humor and fascinating science. If you're concerned about seeing this film because it's too long, I guarantee you it's not long enough. Ryland Grace is a character who I could relate to, mainly because of his journey in this film. Initially, he is in denial of his purpose but eventually he comes to terms with what he has to do, which is extremely important. Rocky (James Ortiz) is the surprise highlight of this film. I was blown away at how much I could feel and care for a rock and Rocky really takes the film to another level. The mix of puppets and CGI flows seamlessly for his character. However, it's not just the actors' performances that make this film great - it's also having the film take place in space and the fact that we only see two characters for the majority of the film. Those things made me feel as if I was right there with them. When you add the beautiful cinematography that this film has, it exceeds overwhelmingly. I love that this film can be seen by anyone; it's such a well-written, feel-good movie, which is hard to find nowadays. This film hits it out of the park!

The film's message is about companionship and how people and living creatures need someone there with us so we are not alone. The way this theme is conveyed in the film is very heartwarming and touching.

I give Project Hail Mary 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in cinemas on March 20, 2026. Be sure to look for it.

By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Project Hail Mary is so captivating! From its engrossing plot to the beautiful visuals and its lovable cast, I don't have nearly enough words to describe how much I love this film.

The storyline follows Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a scientist and a school teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of himself and his mission. He figures out that he is the only survivor of a crew sent to the Tui Ceti system to find out how to save Earth from dying. All he can rely on is his knowledge, faith and will. However, he learns he is not alone on this quest.

Project Hail Mary is an unforgettable experience. The acting in this film is amazing. It's impressive how one man can not only keep an audience engaged, but also lead us through a story that makes us laugh, cry and always keeps us on the edge of our seats. Speaking of stories, I love not only the plot but I also appreciate how it's formatted and paced. We start and stay in the present with Grace for the majority of the film. I like how we learn about Grace's past through his flashbacks. Throughout the film, we get little snippets of the events leading up to the launch of the ship and it was a genius. It definitely heightened my curiosity and made the film ten times more interesting. Another thing that captivated me is the visual design - the planets, spaceships, alien life, and overall look of outer space is beautiful. Everything was designed with so much care, and consideration. While on the topic of visuals, this movie was filmed for IMAX and watching it in IMAX heightens the experience. The music also enhances the emotions of the film, thanks to composer Daniel Pemberton. I particularly enjoyed the music in the scenes on the ship and in outer space. This film has so much care put into it that I can't find a single thing wrong with it. I just have to say that I love this film.

The film's message is that teamwork and friendship can do anything. Be aware that the film contains scenes with blood, death, corpses, drinking, and existential dread.

I give Project Hail Mary 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Project Hail Mary releases in theaters on March 20, 2026.

By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

see youth comments

Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key.