Ryan Reynolds returns as Ryan Reynolds in his latest action sci-fi Netflix film, The Adam Project. The film has an all-star cast including (aside from Reynolds) Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Garner, and stars Walker Scobell in his debut role. It is also directed by Shawn Levy, a name you may be familiar with as he previously directed the very popular Disney+ released movie, Free Guy (2021), which also starred Reynolds. While it’s true the cast is a great ensemble of actors, unfortunately the film is nothing more than a mildly entertaining, once-in-a-lifetime watch. For me at least.

[Please note there are spoilers in this review so read at your own discretion]

Adam with his younger self in the ship

I know what you might be thinking, if Reynolds is the Tom Cruise of comedy, then you must already know the tone and vibe of the movie. And honestly, yes, yes you do. We’ve seen Reynolds in this type of role before, and while he does offer some more drama and emotion in this one, it’s nothing totally unexpected (if you close your eyes, you could literally be watching Deadpool). Scobell does a good job at capturing the essence of Reynolds (as he plays the younger self of his character) and as his first performance, I’d say he did pretty well overall. I wasn’t really a fan of how the writers made his character though, he didn’t really feel like a 12 year old and I wasn’t a fan of all the swearing they made him do. It could just be me though because who knows, maybe all 12 year olds are like this now?

My biggest gripe with this movie though is with the plot (the most important part of a movie!). Look, any movie that involves time travel is in for some finnicky writing and planning, and this one just didn’t work for me. I felt like there was never a proper climax despite the film building so much tension. When Maya Sorian shot herself at the end because of the magnetic pull of the explosion, I remember thinking to myself, that’s it? What an incredibly anti-climatic resolution.

I do want to take a moment to praise the special effects and CGI for the movie though because it was better than what I expected. I did really like the look of the lightsaber looking weapon that Reynolds’ character used, and it looked pretty neat with all the extra effects added on it when in combat.

Adam talking with his father and his younger self.

Overall, the film falls short in being something unique and original. I can’t say I’ll ever find the urge to watch this one again, but the action and comedy does provide a way to kill 1.5 hours if you’re in need of it. After finally getting to watch The Adam Project, I’m afraid I’m going to have to rate this movie a 5.5/10. Maybe it’s because I’ve waited this long to finally see it, but I felt disappointed with the final product. I would love to see Reynolds in a role that is more than just comedic entertainment, but he may just be typecast as such after his beloved performance in Deadpool (2016). So I guess what I’m saying is, if you’re interested in seeing Ryan Reynolds as Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, and Jennifer Garner as the loving mother, maybe you can give this one a shot.