After accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self for a mission to save the future.
You are no doubt familiar with the ’80s sci-fi classics like “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” and “Back to the Future.” This film makes the audiences remember their time in the ’80s when science fiction films became a landmark thanks to the usage of technology and CGI. Shawn Levy wants to relive the classical 1980s era by making a science-fiction film packed with action-adventure pieces to the puzzle, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Walker Scobell.
“Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds stars as Adam Reed, a futuristic fighter pilot who’s stolen a time jet to leap back in time and save the woman he loves. At the same time, child actor Walker Scobell (in his acting debut) portrays Adam Reed’s younger self. Reynolds is a neat actor and is no stranger to science fiction films and action-adventure films. He is destined to be his own unique way of acting, even being hilarious at any time, but on the inside, he is filled with emotion at heart. Walker Scobell, on the other hand, is an amazing show-stealer who serves as the future Adam Reed’s conscience and mentor of his past.
This film marks Ryan Reynolds’ second collaboration with director Shawn Levy after “Free Guy.” The story flows very gently as it gathers lots of nostalgic moments that unravel the sci-fi magic of the ’80s while packing some epic-adventure feels and heartfelt moral lessons that need to take accountability while studying the grasp of science-fiction films and stories. Even the chemistry between Reynolds and Scobell is filled with heartwarming tenderness. What can be exciting is that Levy additionally installs some impressive action sequences, including fight scenes, which are made simple yet beautifully effective to give the film and its climax some bonus points. However, parts of the story and the editing need more work.
The main themes are not just time traveling but also family issues that affect one’s past. In this case, Adam’s relationship with his father, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo (“The Avengers”). That’s why Levy wants to focus on filming the reconciling of Adam’s past as it is about saving the future. This neat touch elevates the message of time-traveling and gives both the film and the character development of the future and younger Adam Reed a tremendous depth.
The film also includes Jennifer Garner (“Alias”) as Adam Reed’s mother Ellie, Oscar-nominated star Catherine Keener (“Being John Malkovich,” “Capote”) as Maya Sorien, Zoe Saldaña (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) as Laura, and Alex Mallari Jr. as Christos.
“The Adam Project” is fun, but it’s also a thoughtful, gritty mash-up of all the ’80s type movies that need a little push to it. It’s like blending “E.T.,” “Back to the Future,” and “The Last Starfighter” together along with some wonderful performances from a cast that clearly loves science fiction. Above all, Ryan Reynolds is top-notch for the Adam Reed character and so is Walker Scobell, who clearly matches his kiddie punch, even with a great acting debut performance. While not as great as the classic ’80s sci-fi films mentioned above, “The Adam Project” is just a rehash of the family sci-fi flicks from the ’70s and ’80s, packed full of Steven Spielberg-like consistency.
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