Adam Sandler’s latest venture into the sci-fi genre with “Spaceman” on Netflix has left audiences wanting more. The somber space movie, which follows Sandler’s character Jakub, a Czech cosmonaut, as he navigates loneliness and disconnection in the vastness of space, fails to reach the heights of its predecessors.
Drawing comparisons to iconic films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Solaris,” “Spaceman” struggles to capture the same magic and depth that made those movies classics. Despite the star-studded cast and the talented director behind the camera, the film falls flat, ultimately succumbing to the biggest sin a movie can commit: being boring.
One of the key issues with “Spaceman” lies in its attempt to tackle deep philosophical themes without engaging the audience. While other sci-fi space dramas like “Interstellar” and “Contact” have succeeded in exploring existential questions, “Spaceman” falters with uninspired dialogue and lackluster execution.
Additionally, the film’s overreliance on CGI for its alien character, Hanus, detracts from the emotional impact of the story. Audiences may have connected more authentically with a puppet version of Hanus, as seen in classic films like “E.T.” and “Alien.” The artificial sheen of the CGI alien only serves to remind viewers of past failures in the genre, such as the lackluster creatures in “Lost in Space.”
Furthermore, “Spaceman” attempts to weave a romantic subplot into its narrative, but falls short of creating a compelling love story. The strained relationship between Jakub and his wife feels contrived, echoing the missteps of films like “Passengers,” which failed to deliver a meaningful exploration of intimacy in a space setting.
In the end, “Spaceman” serves as a cautionary tale of how even the most ambitious sci-fi space dramas can go wrong. Despite its best efforts to emulate the greatness of its predecessors, the film ultimately lacks the spark that would elevate it to the ranks of cinematic masterpieces.
