The Martian

The Martian (2015)

Image From IMDB

Much like Shawshank Redemption, The Martian is one of those films I always think can’t quite be as good as I remember, and then when I watch it is inevitably even better. It’s just a great cinematic experience from start to finish. Matt Damon planting potatoes on the Red Planet for two and a half hours, i’m there.

Ridley Scott has always been one of my favourite directors and this is undoubtable the best of his latter work (with Matchstick Men being the other one I love) The whole movie looks absolutely beautiful, and the pacing is perfect throughout.

It’s also a movie with a much bigger cast than you remember, and they’re all superb. Everyone nails there role and they’re all so likeable. Even when Jeff Daniels has to be the voice of reason it’s done with no malice. All the characters want to get Watney (Damon) home, while understanding the considerable and varied risks.

Besides the beauty of the movie and the strong performances, the standout thing for me is the fact that the movie has a sense of humour throughout. There’s plenty of visual gags and transitions, along with some superb dialogue and banter––especially when the crew first get to talk to Watney again. It’s a movie where you’re rooting for absolutely everyone, and honestly, how often does that actually happen?

The science throughout feels believable (except maybe the final rescue itself), and everything is so cleanly explained. The part of the movie that could be annoying would be the use of Matt Damon somewhat talking to the audience with the video blogs, but again, it just works––mostly in my opinion because of the humour, and his charm. He just seems like a good dude and you want him to be saved and want to do how he’s coping.

It’s rare nowadays to see films without malice, stacked with nothing but heroes and heroic efforts. Everyone is likeable and personable. The arguments that take place between the characters are all heartfelt, with everyone trying to do their best in the most impossible of circumstances. The movie just makes me smile and gives me a little bit of hope back that we can get beyond our selfishness and hate. I love the end scenes in Time Square, another part of the film that made me happy––and long for different times.

The Martian is a sci-fi for all fans of the genre, and probably plenty who aren’t. The blend of strong characters, a very linear and understandable story, great visual effects, and humour, makes its a universal movie. Fun for everyone. It’s a movie I definitely rate highly, and having watched it again I really want to read the book as well now, so expect that to appear on my reviews in the future––Hopefully sooner than 500+ Sol days.