Matt Damon apparently has a problem with getting abandoned on far off planets.
Adapted from Andy Weir‘s novel by Drew Goddard and directed by Ridley Scott, The Martian has a built in pedigree that should have any science fiction fan salivating.
When a manned mission to Mars has to be hastily scrubbed due to a dangerous storm, astronaut Mark Watney (Damon) is lost in the kerfuffle and presumed dead. While the crew begins their long journey home and Earth mourns the loss, a very much alive Watney finds himself the only living being on a planet not at all hospitable to human life. Determined not to die there, he sets his mind on surviving long enough to be rescued by the next mission – years down the road. How? He’s going science the $#!7 out of a bad situation. Bill Nye would be proud.
First of all, I have to say that as someone who has not read the book, I didn’t realize how much of a flair for the comedic this story has to it. Though the trailer hints at the tongue in cheekiness of Watney, I think people will be surprised at how many genuine laugh out loud moments pop up during this film. It’s not that it is a comedy, but it is often quite funny – like the moment when Watney overthinks things to come to the conclusion that he is, genuinely, a space pirate. And decides he should be called Captain Yellowbeard. It’s just self aware enough to even include a wonderfully meta joke involving The Lord of the Rings and a certain cast member. This balance of serious sci-fi drama and lighthearted antics is reflected in the stellar cast that blends actors known for their more comedic slant with those of dramatic prowess.
In addition to Damon, this cast includes Jessica Chastain (who finally gets to be an astronaut after being stuck on Earth in Interstellar), Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover.
This is movie is an example of a nearly perfect science fiction spectacle. It has alien landscapes, perilous danger, human struggles, humor, heart, and excitement. Though it’s not my area of expertise, I understand that the science it’s based on is quite well researched and accurate (for the most part) as well. Despite the humorous thread running throughout, and a general feeling that things are going to work out, the film and the actors still manage to deliver edge of your seat suspense and thrills along the way. It bounces between making being abandoned on an inhospitable planet seem like exciting fun, and reminding you of just how desperate the situation really is.
The cinematic sci-fi version of Robinson Crusoe, The Martian is a fantastic good time at the movies. It’s maybe a tad on the long side, but I can’t find much to complain about except that I wish the visuals were perhaps more spectacular. I know Mars is sort of a bland looking planet, but it could have been shown with a bit more oomph. And don’t even bother with the 3D – it’s almost non-existent. Minor criticisms aside, see this movie today.
Mrs. Hamster did not screen this film
My rating: Four out of five hats
Trailer:
The Martian colonizes 3,831 theaters in 2D and 3D, October 2
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