Space Net’s All New Review: The Adam Project

Netflix is a streaming service that I’ve had mixed feelings about for quite awhile now. The rate at which they cancel shows after one season has always irritated me, especially after the cancellation of ‘Cowboy Bebop’ (arguably the best attempt I’ve seen at adapting an anime into live action). Netflix does not adhere to the rule of quality over quantity. They’re all about quantity and it shows regularly. With all that being said I am forced to admit that from time to time in the midst of all the…well…bullshit, they get something right. ‘The Adam Project’ is one of those rare occasions.

Anyone who’s read my first film review for SpaceNetwork Media knows how I feel about Ryan Reynolds so I won’t go on too much about how fucking awesome he is. You already know this. I already know this. Instead I’d like to start by discussing director Shawn Levy and his knack for bringing great scripts to life. Most directors that don’t write their own films aren’t always the best at picking good screenplays or ones that can highlight their strengths. Usually when that happens, a shitty film is born. These directors are part of why the film industry doesn’t like to take risks. After watching ‘Free Guy’, ‘The Adam Project’, and hearing that Levy is set to direct ‘Deadpool 3’, it’s become obvious to me that he doesn’t have that problem.

‘The Adam Project’ is predominantly a sci-fi action-comedy and that stuff was lots of fun but those aren’t where the best parts of this film shine through. If I was held at gunpoint and forced to describe this film in one word - heart. Ryan Reynolds displays some dramatic acting chops I had only seen brief glimpses of before and his performance is only amplified by the equally phenomenal performance of Walker Scobell. From his very first line of dialogue I was instantly able to tell that Scobell was playing a far younger version of Reynolds. I can’t imagine that it’d be easy to mimic the comedic timing of someone like Reynolds but the kid does it flawlessly. Most child or teenage actors are usually dwarfed by the established talent they’re tasked to work with but Scobell truly held his own and it reflects throughout the entire film. When acting alongside people like Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Ryan Reynolds, it would very much show if you didn’t bring your A-game. I’d rather not get too much into the plot seeing as it has to with time travel. Me trying to unravel it for you would probably only confuse you and have me writing far longer than needed.

Overall this film was really easy to watch and not at all hard to follow. The Shawn Levy/Ryan Reynolds combo is beginning to feel like one for the books. If you need something to watch for a family or date night, go click on this. Honorable mention to Zoe Saldana . The chemistry between her and Reynolds was easy to buy into. I rate this film 4 out of 5 stars.