The Adam Project (2022) is a science fiction action film directed by Shawn Levy (Free Guy) and stars Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool, Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place), Walker Scobell, Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers) Jennifer Garner (Electra, Peppermint) and Zoe Saldana (Guardian's of the Galaxy, Star Trek).

The Adam Project is one of the better movies I’ve watched recently. It’s really enjoyable considering it’s mostly a low-rent Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off without a super-powered (or alien-powered) cast of characters. It’s also easy to see where scenes were lifted from other superior blockbuster movies. They’re a little more than just an homage. It’s movie-making by cut and paste but it still works.

Reynolds is a bit muted here, which is welcome. Reynolds doesn’t need to play snarky in every movie, yet he does. He just tones it down a little in this movie. I’d love to see a little more range from him. I know he has it in him. We see glimpses of it here. But if it’s not broken, why fix it? Still, his character, Adam Reed, a time-traveling fighter pilot is likable enough as he returns to 2022 to save the future.

Walker Scobell who plays the young Adam is in fine form in his first film role, expertly playing a young Reynolds. What’s more, he isn’t annoying like most child actors in movies like this. This kid has potential. I’m looking forward to seeing him in more films.

Zoe Saldana is always a welcome addition to anycast. I’m sure her Guardians affiliation won’t be lost on anyone. Unfortunately, there’s absolutely no chemistry between Reynolds and Saldana. They come off more as step-siblings than husband and wife, but in a movie this fun that’s a minor quibble.

Jennifer Garner works well here as young Adam’s mother as does Mark Ruffalo as his scientist dad.

Catherine Keener (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Get Out) is an excellent actress but miscast as the main villain, Maya Sorian. She just doesn’t work here. Yet, somehow, that doesn’t distract too badly from the proceedings.

Another problem with this film is that it was originally written as a big-budget blockbuster with Tom Cruise at the helm. When it was rewritten for Netflix, the scale was naturally reduced.

Listen, as a reviewer, it’s my job to be critical, but as an evening’s entertainment this movie wasn’t bad. I really did enjoy this film enough to recommend it, and it far exceeded my expectations. There are even a few scenes that pull at the heartstrings and they’re very effective.

The Adam Project is streaming on Netflix.

Story Doctoring:

A few casting changes would help and a boatload (or time-ship) more money.

Rating: Four out of five stars