Movies And All Things Film

[annabenedetti]

I was interested in watching this as it's based on work by Andy Weir - which The Martian is based on and is an engrossing, intelligent sci-fi feature.

But then I heard that the sci fi elements had been dumbed down in Project Hail Mary with more of a focus on comedy/sentimentality that didn't do it proper justice so I'm not in any rush to watch it...

The speed at which they overcome not only a language barrier, but a language/musical tones barrier and move on to abstract ideas didn't feel plausible to me. Some of the humor just wasn't landing with me, and I had the thought that in that regard, Galaxy Quest was more fun. But that doesn't mean it won't be a more enjoyable to someone else, it's just my subjective opinion.

I thought it was really good. But I've always been a fan of scifi stuff.

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

[Arthur Brain]

The speed at which they overcome not only a language barrier, but a language/musical tones barrier and move on to abstract ideas didn't feel plausible to me. Some of the humor just wasn't landing with me, and I had the thought that in that regard, Galaxy Quest was more fun. But that doesn't mean it won't be a more enjoyable to someone else, it's just my subjective opinion.

Well, Galaxy Quest was an affectionate spoof of Star Trek really, so it never set out to be serious sci fi and it's a pretty fun flick

But where it comes to proper science fiction then I don't want it dumbed down or humour laden because it detracts from it. There's plenty of humour in The Martian, but it's natural, not at all contrived and believable.

 

[annabenedetti]

Well, Galaxy Quest was an affectionate spoof of Star Trek really, so it never set out to be serious sci fi and it's a pretty fun flick

Plus Alan Rickman, right?

But where it comes to proper science fiction then I don't want it dumbed down or humour laden because it detracts from it. There's plenty of humour in The Martian, but it's natural, not at all contrived and believable.

Would you classify The Truman Show as sci fi? It's so brilliant in that way.

 

[Arthur Brain]

Plus Alan Rickman, right?

Indeed! In fact his cynical demeanour just added to the comedy. (Heck, he hams it up in Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves but so entertaining to watch. A great actor RIP)

Would you classify The Truman Show as sci fi? It's so brilliant in that way.

I've never really thought of The Truman Show as a sci fi film but now that you've mentioned it, effectively, it is. Now that I think on it a bit more, there's a lot of intelligent science fiction in it and it's one of my perennial faves to boot...

 

[Arthur Brain]

Sad to hear the news of Sam Neill passing away - one of the most versatile actors from blockbuster movies (Jurassic Park) through to independent cinema. RIP

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/07/13/entertainment/sam-neill-jurassic-park-dead-intl-hnk

 

[annabenedetti]

Sad to hear the news of Sam Neill passing away - one of the most versatile actors from blockbuster movies (Jurassic Park) through to independent cinema. RIP

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/07/13/entertainment/sam-neill-jurassic-park-dead-intl-hnk

Oh that is sad news. I hadn't known until I saw your post.

May he rest in peace. I'm glad to see at your link that when he passed he was surrounded by family.

 

[annabenedetti]

I've never really thought of The Truman Show as a sci fi film but now that you've mentioned it, effectively, it is. Now that I think on it a bit more, there's a lot of intelligent science fiction in it and it's one of my perennial faves to boot...

One of my favorites too. I'd thought of it as sci fi in the way Severance is (even though that's TV and we're talking movies) or maybe Inception?
Those are the kinds of sci fi I like.

 

[Arthur Brain]

One of my favorites too. I'd thought of it as sci fi in the way Severance is (even though that's TV and we're talking movies) or maybe Inception?
Those are the kinds of sci fi I like.

Perceptions I suppose. I think of both Severance and Inception (tv mentions are cool at times) as high concept sci fi but it never really occurred with The Truman Show until you mentioned it - maybe because I've viewed it more as deep comedy drama/satire but you're right. It fits right in the sci fi zone.