Even Adam Sandler Can't Rescue Sci-Fi Drama 'Spaceman'
In the vastness of the Solar System, there's a 'Spaceman' somewhere out there, and surprisingly, it stars Adam Sandler! However, the film seems to be lost among the plethora of exciting sci-fi productions. 'Spaceman' appears to fall a bit short of the gripping allure typically expected from thrilling sci-fi films exploring the infinity of space. So, what sets this film apart from other sci-fi productions? Find out the details below 👇
"Spaceman" is based on Jaroslav Kalfař's 2017 sci-fi novel 'Spaceman of Bohemia.'
The film narrates the cosmic adventure of Jakub Procházka (Adam Sandler), an orphan raised by his loving grandparents in the Czech countryside. Starting as a small-town scientist, Jakub becomes the country's first astronaut. A dangerous solo mission to Venus offers him a chance at the heroism he dreamed of and redemption for his father's sins. However, Jakub leaves behind his devoted wife Lenka, finding an unexpected companion in the form of a giant alien spider he initially believed to be a product of his imagination. Amid philosophical conversations on love, life, and the nature of death, the duo forms an intense and emotional bond. Jakub faces conflicts with hidden Russian rivals in space but wonders if he can return safely to Earth for a second chance with Lenka.
Jakub isn't alone in space, as the Czechs are closely followed by Koreans attempting to reach the cosmic dust cloud.
Despite the fame of being the Free Czech Republic's first cosmonaut, Jakub cannot help but think of his pregnant wife Lenka back home. The film begins with Jakub embarking on his lonely research mission six months later, discovering an unexpected stowaway hidden deep in his ship. Hanuš, a large alien spider said to come from the beginning of time, eventually becomes Jakub's ally, guiding him on a physical and emotional journey.
Adam Sandler takes on the role of a mentally isolated, rugged, and troubled explorer within his creation.
Known for more dramatic performances in films like 'Uncut Gems' and 'Hustle,' Sandler's Jakub may initially seem insane and lost, but as the mysterious creature in the film helps him, Jakub realizes the depth of his mission. Paul Dano voices the giant spider from the depths of space, which, due to budget constraints, is brought to life with inadequate visual effects.
Admittedly, getting used to seeing a massive alien spider roaming inside a spacecraft can be challenging, but the visual contrast doesn't deliver the expected impact.
The film's major flaw is the duo explicitly expressing everything, leaving little for the audience to ponder. While Jakub and Hanuš constantly verbalize their thoughts, spelling out everything that happens, it leaves nothing for the audience to think or wonder about. Screenwriter Colby Day seems to have restricted the audience from thinking, assuming that no one would understand Jakub's internal trauma.
Carey Mulligan's character is challenging to understand in the film.
It's difficult to establish a connection with her or sympathize clearly with the serious pain she's experiencing. Lenka Procházka is poorly written and lacks a real presence. Seeing Mulligan in such a lightweight role is surprising after her performances in Oscar-nominated films like 'Maestro' and 'Promising Young Woman.' Unfortunately, Lenka is merely used as a narrative tool to push Jakub into an existential crisis.
"Spaceman" progresses very slowly despite being a sci-fi film.
Don't expect to delve into the depths of the story, as 'Spaceman' is not that kind of film. Given its genre and the strange elements it includes, it falls short of expectations. Several significant parts of the story are uninteresting, merely progressing with philosophical thoughts, and the screenwriter seems to have misunderstood how to genuinely affect the audience.
A screenplay with high potential appears to have been wasted.
Fortunately, all non-Czech actors do not attempt accent trials. Since Hollywood finds it nearly impossible to get accents right, it makes no sense to attempt them if native speakers are not cast. 'Spaceman' is clearly an Americanized version of Czech source material, and the exclusion of Czechs is somewhat confusing, but Hollywood likes to keep things within its own realm, so it's not surprising. There's not much to like in Johan Renck's latest film 'Spaceman.' It's a bit disappointing as it couldn't bring the adaptation skills from 'Chernobyl.' However, by the end of the film, it's evident that 'Spaceman's' script is equally hindered. A significant potential has been squandered here.
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