Ray Gunn premiered in London on Saturday, and the mood was birthday cheer — not just for the film, but for Michael Giacchino. The composer, whose score anchors the neo-noir sci-fi animated feature, got a surprise: Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell sang a sped-up ‘Happy Birthday’ live at the Royal Festival Hall. Brad Bird, director and longtime collaborator, called it a ‘dream come true’ moment. The film’s world premiere coincided with Giacchino’s actual birthday, a detail that felt less like coincidence and more like fate. He snapped a selfie with the cast and crew, the kind of moment that only happens when passion meets timing. And the film? It’s been described as a love letter to noir, sci-fi, and cinema itself. Critics are split, but mostly glowing. Courtney Howard of LA Film Critics called it ‘Blade Runner meets The Maltese Falcon’. Matt Neglia said it’s Bird’s most personal work yet. A project he’d nurtured for over thirty years. Tom Waits, in voice, is reportedly a revelation. Kimbra’s songs, sung by Johansson, add a dreamy layer to the neon-drenched cityscape. Even the animation, which some say feels dated. Is forgiven because of the energy. James Crooks noted its sharp take on AI, corporate power, and modern politics. Nandita of The Rolling Tape called it ‘perfect’. NerdsOfColor said it’s the ‘coolest and most stylish animated movie of the year so far’. But not everyone’s buying it. Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter found it ‘underwhelming’, a ‘blandly palatable jumble of clichés’. Guy Lodge from Variety said it has ‘slick energy’ but lacks charm. Still, the consensus leans toward celebration. Ray Gunn lands on Netflix December 18, after limited theatrical runs starting December 4. That’s two months away. Until then, the buzz is building. And if you’re waiting for a sign that this isn’t just another animated flick? Look no further than the fact that Brad Bird spent three decades chasing this vision. Now it’s here. And it’s loud.