Film 108 (Goal: 300) of 2024

I've loved Adam Sandlers more serious fare, whether it be the recent Hustle, Uncut Gems, Reign Over Me, Punch Drunk Love, etc. And it feels like after a decade of near garbage releases through the NETFLIX deal, that Sandler is focusing on more serious fare. So I was very interested in Spaceman, a project I admittedly only knew about a few weeks before release onto the streaming platform. I didn't know much about the film, other than the title and the actor.

But Spaceman doesn't work for me. I really wanted it to but, and I'm deliberately not saying much but there's a pivotal moment early into the film, and if you don't buy in, I don't think you'll be able to enjoy the film. In case it wasn't obvious, that was me, I couldn't buy into this plot addition. I've seen some out there things in films and I think it comes down to direction and set-up as to how well you as a viewer will accept it. From that point on, the film was a struggle.

Another pivotal part of the film is the story of a failing marriage between Sandler's Jakub and Carey Mulligan's Lenka. It's essentially the underlying narrative from start to finish. And even though we are giving plenty of time to focus on their romance, I did not care. I don't know exactly what didn't work, maybe I needed some time together prior to the space flight happening, maybe I just don't care for Carey Mulligan. I say this every time he does serious fare but Sandler is good. Now this is no Uncut Gems or anything, but a lot of the film is anchored on Sandler's performance, and he's able to convey a lot as his character goes on a journey. This film doesn't come close to the rating I get without his performance.

Spaceman is an ultimately disappointing 2024 release that will likely be forgotten within weeks. Some will love it, others not so much. Which way you fall will likely depend on how much you accept the 2nd character onboard the space station. For some, that may just be a deal breaker.