Back in the ‘60s and ‘70s in the Hindi film industry, there used to be a series of films featuring IS Johar and Mehmood. The two starred together in Johar Mehmood in Goa (1965) & Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong (1971). 

Besides that, there were two more films in the series titled Johar in Kashmir (1966) & Johar in Bombay (1967).

Except for the similar-sounding titles and their leads, the films weren’t connected to each other in any way. But, IS Johar and Mehmood used to play themselves in each one of them even though their characters were different. 

I know it’s a weird analogy but that’s how I equate most of Ryan Reynolds’ filmography especially post Deadpool. Not in terms of the content, of course.

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Irrespective of any character that he portrays, Ryan Reynolds simply plays himself in all his films and interestingly, he somehow still makes it work. 

Director Shawn Levy’s time travel based sci-fi comedy is no different. It joins the long list of Ryan Reynolds movies like Red Notice, Free Guy, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, 6 Underground, Hobbs & Shaw, Detective Pikachu, Deadpool 2, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Deadpool, RIPD, The Change-Up, Green Lantern, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Blade: Trinity and National Lampoon's Van Wilder… phew.

You got the gist, right?

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I wasn’t a big fan of Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds’ previous collaboration, Free Guy, so I went into this movie with low expectations and came out mildly entertained.  

The film offers nothing new that hasn’t been seen before in the time travel genre but Shawn Levy has packed it with enough punchlines, fast-paced screenplay and a tinge of emotional quotient that makes The Adam Project a decent one-time watch.  

Even though the script has enough loopholes, the shorter runtime makes up for it.  

However, the best thing about the film is its star cast and the performances. 

Ryan Reynolds can ace this character even in his sleep to be honest. His comic timing is perfect and he shines in emotional scenes as well.  

His chemistry with child actor Walker Scobell is the highlight of the film. 

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Mark Ruffalo plays Ryan Reynolds’ father and has minimal screen time but man how good an actor he is. He shows a range of emotions and delivers a heart-warming performance.  

There is a scene between him and Ryan Reynolds towards the end that is funny as well as emotional.  

Jennifer Garner and Zoe Saldana get limited screen time and they make the most of it. 

Despite being a forgettable affair that is inconsistent and is filled with loopholes, The Adam Project is a mediocre entertainer. 

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P.S.: I know this urge of film studios to turn everything into a franchise. Neither The Adam Project demands a sequel nor is it worthy of it. So, please don’t, in case you are thinking about it.

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