Why Opinions on Adam Sandler's Latest Sci-Fi Space Film Are Split
Discover why critics are divided on Sandler's Netflix flick, Spaceman.
The new Netflix movie Spaceman has received mixed reviews from critics. This film marks a departure from Adam Sandler's previous Netflix movies like Murder Mystery (2019), Hustle (2022), and You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023). In Spaceman, Sandler plays Jakub Prochazka, an astronaut on a solo mission who encounters a strange arachnid creature named Hanus, voiced by Paul Dano.
Spaceman is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on Friday, March 1, 2024, and features Carey Mulligan in a starring role. Despite Sandler's background in comedy, this movie is categorized as a space sci-fi adventure. Sandler has been exploring more dramatic roles in recent years, following his acclaimed performance in Uncut Gems (2019). While the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes sits at 84%, the critical reception on the site is at 60%, with a Metacritic score of 57, showing a divide among critics.
Adam Sandler Shines But Holds The Entire Movie Up
Sandler's performance is widely considered the best part of the film
Adam Sandler wears an astronaut suit in Spaceman - Sandler's performance is widely considered the best part of the film - Adam Sandler Shines But Holds The Entire Movie Up
Adam Sandler shines in a dramatic role in Spaceman, with critics highlighting his exceptional performance as the main appeal of the new Netflix sci-fi movie. Ferdosa Abdi from Screen Rant mentions that Sandler is the standout, supported by a strong cast of actors. Owen Gleiberman of Variety also praises Sandler's ability to hold the movie together, stating that he is the perfect choice for the lead role.
Spaceman Is Visually Dazzling But Thematically Devoid
One notable aspect of Sandler's performance in Spaceman is his distinct Czech accent, which some critics find challenging to overlook at first but eventually appreciate as the film progresses. Will Sayre from MovieWeb mentioned that despite the initial hurdle of the accent, Sandler's portrayal of a character navigating space while coping with anxiety through vodka drops is entertaining. Similarly, Ross Bonaime from Collider praised Sandler for bringing depth and emotion to the role without going overboard, making Spaceman a worthwhile watch.
Sandler's character explores compelling ideas without much payoff
the spider crawls around seats in Spaceman - Sandler's character explores compelling ideas without much payoff - Spaceman Is Visually Dazzling But Thematically Devoid
Carey Mulligan Is Far Too Underutilized In Spaceman
One aspect of strength in Spaceman is its stunning outer space visuals, which have been compared to Christopher Nolan's Interstellar. According to David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter, the cinematography by Jakon Ihre strikes a balance between intimate close-ups and expansive views that enhance the film's sense of isolation. However, these visuals may overshadow the existential themes that do not quite deliver. IndieWire's Ryan Lattanzio criticizes the film as a dreary exploration of the cosmos that leaves the lead actor, Sandler, feeling lost and disconnected.
Mulligan is exceptional in everything but is not given much to work with here
Carey Mulligan and Adam Sandler stand intimately close together in Spaceman - Mulligan is exceptional in everything but is not given much to work with here - Carey Mulligan Is Far Too Underutilized In Spaceman
Carey Mulligan's acting talent is considered one of the strongest in the cast of Spaceman, but she is not given enough to work with in the new Netflix movie. Robert Daniels from RogerEbert.com notes that Mulligan's character is not well-developed, leaving audiences unsure of her occupation, dreams, or ambitions. While this may be intentional, the script still requires Mulligan to carry a heavy load that a less skilled actor might struggle with.
In addition, Fionnuala Halligan of Screen Daily questions why a film set in outer space with an astronaut facing the unknown places such a significant focus on his marital issues. Halligan criticizes the imbalance in Mulligan's character, who is reduced to a mere pregnant prop in the storyline. This highlights the film's peculiar premise of marital discord in a space setting.
Moreover, Howard W. of CBR criticizes Sandler's character, pointing out that if it takes a lengthy space journey and an unorthodox therapist for him to apologize, perhaps it is time for Lenka to move on. This comment underscores the film's questionable approach to resolving conflict and the characters' relationships in a spacefaring setting.
Spaceman Is Tonally Ambiguous & Lacks A Cohesive Point
The central conflict of Spaceman is difficult to fully take seriously
The spider creature talks to Adam Sandler in Spaceman - The central conflict of Spaceman is difficult to fully take seriously - Spaceman Is Tonally Ambiguous & Lacks A Cohesive Point
Critics find it challenging to grasp the concept of exploring everyday relationship problems while being an astronaut, which makes the message of Spaceman unclear. The Hollywood Reporter criticizes the movie, stating that portraying emotional issues against a backdrop of outer space diminishes their importance. Alissa Wilkinson from The New York Times adds that Spaceman lacks insight into human behavior and fails to address underlying political themes, missing an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
The Spaceman Movie Leaves Out A Lot From The Book
Spaceman is a loyal film adaptation that leaves several holes in its story
Adam Sandler struggles through the shuttle in Spaceman - Spaceman is a loyal film adaptation that leaves several holes in its story - The Spaceman Movie Leaves Out A Lot From The Book
Fans of "Spaceman of Bohemia" by Jaroslav Kalfar may feel like the movie adaptation leaves out some key parts of the story. According to Screen Rant, the film version of Spaceman falls short in capturing all the intricate details from the book. While this doesn't mean the movie completely strays from the original novel, there are certain aspects of the story that didn't quite make it to the big screen.
Spaceman Is Contemplative But Lacks A Sense Of Awe
Spaceman is somewhat sluggish for a movie set in outer space
Adam Sandler as Jakub in an Astronaut Suit in Spaceman - Spaceman is somewhat sluggish for a movie set in outer space - Spaceman Is Contemplative But Lacks A Sense Of Awe
The film Spaceman has left many viewers feeling uncertain about its impact, mainly because it falls short of delivering the expected awe-inspiring experience, especially considering its stunning outer space backdrop. Tim Robey from The Daily Telegraph notes that while the film may lack a real sense of awe, it still manages to strike a balance between being a noble failure and a charmingly peculiar piece of work. The mixed reviews it has received seem to stem from the audience's preconceived expectations. Those who are fans of the original book or Carey Mulligan might feel a bit let down, whereas fans of Adam Sandler's more demanding and serious roles may still find something to appreciate in the film.
Sources: Variety, MovieWeb, Collider, The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, RogerEbert.com, Screen Daily, CBR, The New York Times, The Daily Telegraph
Editor's P/S:
The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming Netflix movie "Spaceman," highlighting the critical reception and audience reactions to Adam Sandler's performance, the film's stunning visuals, and its thematic shortcomings. Despite Sandler's critically acclaimed performance, the movie seems to suffer from a lack of cohesion and a failure to fully explore its existential themes. Critics argue that the film's exploration of mundane relationship problems against the backdrop of outer space dilutes their significance. Additionally, the adaptation from the original novel "Spaceman of Bohemia" has left out key elements, leaving fans of the book somewhat disappointed.
Overall, the article provides a balanced view of the film's strengths and weaknesses, setting realistic expectations for viewers. It acknowledges Sandler's exceptional performance while also highlighting the film's narrative and thematic shortcomings. Whether "Spaceman" will be a satisfying experience for viewers remains to be seen, but the article's thorough examination of its critical reception offers valuable insights into what to expect.
