The Adam Project (2022) - I couldn't not like it (and I tried!)

Although I'm quite a fan of Ryan Reynolds, I went into 'The Adam Project' not really expecting much, I figured it would be just another straight-to-streaming-service sci-fi flick (feel free to correct me if it was ever released in the cinema, but I certainly never saw it advertised there!).  But I was pleasantly surprised to find myself charmed by its upbeat story and playful energy. From the outset, it was easy to assume this movie would lean heavily on familiar tropes, but Ryan Reynolds’ ever-charming performance, paired with a heartfelt script, made it hard to dislike.

Mr Deadpool himself plays Adam Reed (or rather yet another version of the actor - yes, he may not have an awful lot of 'range,' but he's so watchable, do we really care?) who is a time-traveling fighter pilot who crash-lands in 2022 and teams up with his 12-year-old self (Walker Scobell) to save the future. The premise may sound like a typical time-travel adventure, but there's a genuine sense of fun and nostalgia that sets it apart. In many ways, 'The Adam Project' reminded me of those classic 80s films centered around kids' adventures, like 'The Goonies.' It captures that same spirit of youthful wonder, blending humor, family dynamics and heartfelt moments into a cohesive narrative that feels fresh enough to be enjoyable.

I don't know much about the film's production.  Like I say... I never saw it advertised theatrically, so maybe it didn't have a 'mega-budget' behind it.  Therefore, some of the special effects are a little underwhelming and the action is a tad generic.  Yet, overall, 'The Adam Project' is a light, enjoyable film that doesn't aim to be more than it is. It's a nostalgic throwback to simpler cinematic times, with enough charm to win over even the most skeptical of viewers.  It's a rare film these days that I reckon that pretty much the whole family can enjoy as the 'violence' and bad language is very played down and PG13-esque.

7/10 if I woke up on Groundhog Day and had to watch this again, I could live with that