Warning: Spoilers for The Adam Project
The Adam Project is a sci-fi adventure movie starring Ryan Reynolds as Adam Reed, a pilot who embarks on a journey to save the future, but the soundtrack surprisingly features throwback songs. While the premise is a classic plot for time travel, the film is a visual lesson in healing from the death of a parent. Despite being set in 2050, 2022, and 2018 – thanks to time travel – the soundtrack features nostalgic songs hailing from the 60s and 70s. Reynolds' character (also played by Walker Scobell as his younger self) has a sarcastic and quick-witted nature that the choice of songs amplifies.
Director and producer, Shawn Levy, has directed iconic films and TV shows, including Big Fat Liar, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Stranger Things, with its season 4 on the way. Levy has a knack for incorporating clever comedy into films without it feeling forced. The Adam Project encapsulates that effect by inserting one-liners and jokes into intense fight scenes that are magnified by the soundtrack.
The Adam Project soundtrack features Pete Townshend, Led Zeppelin, and Boston, upping the “cool factor” of the movie, matching Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Adam. The songs are used sparingly and reused throughout the film. This tactic works as it adds to the feelings of nostalgia and showcases the character development of Adam as he heals from the death of his father, Louis Reed, played by the MCU's Hulk actor Mark Ruffalo. The song “Let My Love Open the Door” by Pete Townshend is used strategically as both the older and younger versions of Adam note that it was their father's favorite song. Here's every song in The Adam Project soundtrack.
“Gimme Some Lovin’” by The Spencer Davis Group – Opens the movie as Adam (played by Ryan Reynolds) steals a spaceshhip and flies through the sky and a wormhole while being chased down.
“Let My Love Open The Door” by Pete Townshend – Adam (Ryan Reynolds) is in his father’s garage patching up his bullet wound while the song plays over the stereo. Younger Adam (Walker Scobell) discovers him, and they bond over it being their father’s favorite song.
“Good Times Bad Times” by Led Zeppelin – Sorian and her team try to capture Adam and bring him back to 2050, a surprise visitor helps Ryan Reynolds’ character escape. Together they fend off those trying to capture them.
“Gimme Some Lovin’” by The Spencer Davis Group – “Gimme Some Lovin’” plays again as future Adam and young Adam time travel to 2018 while being hunted down by the Sorian and her team. Its' reminiscent of the opening shot of the movie.
“Foreplay/Longtime” by Boston – “Foreplay/Longtime” plays when the electromagnetic seal is compromised and everything magnetic starts being pulled toward it. The ultimate fight scene occurs between future Adam, younger Adam, their dad, and Sorian.
“Let My Love Open The Door” by Pete Townshend – “Let My Love Open The Door” plays once more while The Adam Project characters Adam and Laura meet for the “first time” again in the lecture hall when she is lost, and he walks her to the correct campus. The song continues into the credits of The Adam Project.