When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars, they leave behind Mark Watney (Matt Damon), presumed dead after a fierce storm. With only a meager amount of supplies, the stranded visitor must utilize his wits and spirit to find a way to survive on the hostile planet. Meanwhile, back on Earth, members of NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring him home, while his crew mates hatch their own plan for a daring rescue mission.
Starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig
Director Ridley Scott
Year: 2015
So, it is scary movie month and I did promise to only do scary movies, but… how scary would it be to be stuck on Mars!? Also, I just really wanted to see this! Ha. I must let you know that you are entering into quality material with this one. You will not be let down. Ridley Scott and even Matt Damon rarely disappoint, I’ve learned over the years. Especially when Ridley Scott goes to space. It is no different with this one. The Martian is well rounded in intensity, emotionalism, the occasional laugh, and a solid story line. No need to go into how good the special effects are. Let’s just say, I bought it. The characters and story were also created in such a fashion to trick you into believing that this very well could be a true story. No fourth wall present! I was sucked in. A very large reason behind such immersive results, has to do with your crew. Matt Damon received a script that was written and tailored for him. I’m not saying that he can’t work with a script that is difficult, but he made it look way too easy. The reactions all around rang true to the situation at hand.
When this movie was not intense, it displayed interesting information that I enjoyed learning about. Yes, I said learning. A movie can be entertaining and educational at the same time. While I am fully aware that this is a fictional account, there are a lot of scientific factoids that make space totally radical (as if it needed to be pointed out, ha). If you enjoy nerding out to Star Wars, Star Trek, or any other sci-fi related fixation then you should probably go buy a ticket now.
*NOTE: This is way better to see in theaters, as the special effects are righteous and worthy of a mouth-wateringly large screen!
It was a great movie and book. Maybe even worth seeing a second time.
I debated about watching it more than once, but I honestly would watch it with someone who has never seen it before. Sometimes to show others this type of great entertainment is just as satisfying as seeing it the first time. You also catch things you didn’t notice the first time. Just realized it was a book. Bet it was a great read due to the feeling it portrayed throughout. Good stuff!