I did a non-review review of this book, and it seems like it was very nearly a million years ago. I’ll repost it so you can see it, whatever, it isn’t exciting. But what I do recall being exciting? The actual book! I loved it, and so obviously I wanted to see the movie. Reader, I almost never actually see the movie. But I did this time! My mom and Sam and I went to see it and I shall share some thoughts!
The Book
“This is my first Andy Weir book, but I assure you it will not be my last! I truly hadn’t imagined it would be so completely full of heart, and frankly, can we please have more male characters like this? Who are vulnerable and emotional and kind? Gosh, in so many adult sci-fi books the men are portrayed as such “tough guys” and it irritates the crap out me. Not so here! Also, the story was so fabulous that I didn’t even mind when the science went over my head. I liked it so much I bought it for my dad’s birthday (hope he didn’t read that).”
Sidenote: I did in fact get this for my dad’s birthday, and he and my mom read it. She liked it too, which lead to us going to see the movie. I am, of course, sad that my dad did not get to see the movie, but I won’t drag you down too much.
The Movie
I loved the book very much, so I will say that I did not think that the movie would be able to top the book. Friends, I can admit when I was wrong! The movie is excellent. I daresay perhaps even better than the book, which is saying a lot because I loved the book. This movie is among my all-time favorites. As someone who generally has neither particular love nor disdain for Ryan Gosling, he freaking knocked it out of the park. That is no easy feat, considering he is the whole movie. Had he not been perfect, it would have crashed and burned, frankly. But he was exactly as you’d expect Ryland Grace to be, from start to finish. And the actors who played the flashback roles were equally excellent, but to carry an entire movie for literal hours, whew, that takes something special. Also, I adored Rocky with my entire soul, no surprise there.
The Verdict
Probably one of, if not the best adaptation I’ve ever seen. Captured every emotion brilliantly, was next-level satisfying, 100% recommend. (My mom and Sam also loved it!)
Have you read the book or seen the movie? You should. You should do both, immediately or sooner.
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Agreed! The movie was amazing and I loved how it was adapted! 👍
This was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time! I know this is Weir’s best book (the Martian wasn’t this amazing) but I hope he writes more like this.
I love hearing this! I still need to see the movie, and now I’m even more excited. The book was literally perfect😁
100%! Full disclosure: I haven’t read the book (yet!), but everyone in my family has, and loved it. My dad had a few points of grumble over where the movie diverged from the book, in a way he thought was unnecessary, but we (all) adored the movie. I *bawled* in the theatre. And I agree, that Ryan Gosling (and the entire crew) absolutely nailed it. Between this and his role in Barbie, I have a newfound respect for that man. I also watched a few behind-the-scenes and interviews, and it’s clear the entire crew was focused on making it believable, making it feel real, and sticking to the book as closely as possible. What an unexpected delight this movie was!
I haven’t read the book, but loved the movie! I might try to read the book, but don’t know when I’ll fit it in. I think everyone has loved the movie that I’ve talked to. And I love when they do such a great job with a movie from a book like this.
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/04/06/release-blast-review-rushed-the-coopers-2-by-aleatha-romig/