Per Aspera Ad Astra is one of those films that works best if you accept from the start its strange mix of space adventure, Chinese science fiction, virtual worlds, humor, action and visual spectacle. It is not a perfect film, nor does it try to be solemn science fiction, but it has something many much bigger productions have lost: the desire to entertain, to imagine and to take you from one place to another without overstaying its welcome. The first thing that stands out is its original title, Per Aspera Ad Astra. “Through hardships, to the stars.” That alone gives it a special dimension, an idea of journey, effort and cosmic destiny that fits very well with the spirit of the film. The development itself takes lighter, even crazier paths, but the title adds an almost classical resonance that makes it more attractive. The film works as a space science-fiction adventure because it has pace, good visual effects and a very well-adjusted running time. It does not feel too short, but it also does not drag. There are virtual worlds, technological threats, a spaceship in danger, AI, missions inside dreams and an adventure tone that mixes spectacle with playfulness. At times it may recall many familiar things, but it does so with an energy of its own. I also like that it does not try to feel Western. It has humor, exaggeration, color and a way of moving through fantasy that may feel different for viewers used to American science fiction. And that is refreshing. Sometimes it is chaotic, yes, and not every joke lands equally well, but that strangeness is also part of its charm. There is a visual and narrative freedom here that makes it feel fresher than expected. The visual effects are quite good, especially for a film that constantly plays with artificial spaces, dreams and impossible scenarios. Not everything has the same force, but there is imagination and a sense of spectacle. The film understands that this kind of adventure needs wonder, speed and a certain lightness. And in that, it delivers. Per Aspera Ad Astra will not revolutionize science fiction, but I really enjoyed it as entertainment. It has humor, adventure, good effects, the right length and a mixture of ingredients that makes it more charming than many more serious and emptier films. Perhaps not everything fits, but it leaves a good memory. And above all, it has that wonderful title: Per Aspera Ad Astra. To the stars, even through the strangest paths.

Fantastic CGI and special effects. But, a strange movie 📽. 🤔

If you are into exposition, this is your movie. More endings than *Return of the King*. Some interesting visuals but serious script and plot issues.