The film feels padded, whether it’s stopping in its tracks for Eva to do a full-blown karaoke version of Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” or spilling over into a finale that doesn’t know where to end. The sentimental dilemma of whether Ryan, at one point, is going to go forward with the mission or turn the ship around to save Rocky is string-pulling of a very generic order. “Project Hail Mary” will likely be a hit, but the movie we need right now — or, really, anytime — is one whose drama extends beyond its ability to push our buttons.
