Tyler Cowen Reviews Spider-Noir, Project Hail Mary, and The Sheep Detectives
6 reported
In a July 10, 2026, article on Marginal Revolution, Tyler Cowen reviewed three streaming films available on Prime Video. He praised "Spider-Noir" for its noir style and Nicholas Cage's performance, recommending viewers watch it in black and white. Cowen criticized "Project Hail Mary," starring Ryan Gosling, for what he described as a softened adaptation of Andy Weir's novel, contrasting it unfavorably with "The Martian." He called "The Sheep Detectives" a delightful surprise, comparing it to "Babe meets Knives Out" and noting it features Hugh Jackman and voice actors Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, and Patrick Stewart.
What’s reported
"Spider-Noir" is available on Prime Video and is written in the style of Raymond Chandler with Nicholas Cage channeling Humphrey Bogart.
Cowen recommends watching "Spider-Noir" in black and white.
"Project Hail Mary" (Prime) stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a genius scientist-hero.
Cowen states the film cuts desperation from the world, undercuts the ruthlessness of the character Stratt, and adds a karaoke number and a trip to Home Depot.
Cowen says the main virtue of "Project Hail Mary" is showing what a miracle "The Martian" was, praising Matt Damon's performance.
"The Sheep Detectives" (Prime) features a flock of sheep solving a murder-mystery in a quaint English town, with Hugh Jackman and voices from Julia-Louis Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, and Patrick Stewart.
Key figures
Tyler Cowen (reviewer, Marginal Revolution)
Nicholas Cage (actor in "Spider-Noir")
Ryan Gosling (actor in "Project Hail Mary")
Lionel Boyce (actor playing Carl in "Project Hail Mary")
Matt Damon (actor in "The Martian")
Hugh Jackman (actor in "The Sheep Detectives")
Julia-Louis Dreyfus (voice actor in "The Sheep Detectives")
Bryan Cranston (voice actor in "The Sheep Detectives")
Patrick Stewart (voice actor in "The Sheep Detectives")
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
