The Martian (2015) [Movie Review]


Dir: Ridley Scott
Starring: Matt Damon
Dur: 2 hrs 21 mins
Genre: Sci-fi Drama
PG: Some foul language
Rating: 5/10

Outer space is intriguing and has served as the location for some of the most memorable films of all time. I am quite skeptical about the whole outer space thing especially when it comes to the science of it. Frankly, I sat through the whole film thinking it’s all just superfluous humbug but was surprised to later read that the science of the film is pretty solid. The only exaggeration that is claimed is the storm winds that resulted in astronaut Watney (Matt Damon) being left behind on Mars. With this cleared up, the film takes on new meaning and significance. It serves as quite an educational source. It is quite long and pretty dull at time, since a major part involves Matt Damon talking into a recording camera.

The animation is extremely well-done even though at times it gives an unreal visual. The soundtrack is not the best. The film would be better off with a better and more dramatic one. Matt Damon is attractive and delivers a power-packed performance even without raising a fist. The cast is pretty huge considering the other big names partaking like Kristen Wiig, Jessica Chastain, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jeff Daniels. The plot is based on a novel written by Andy Weir in 2011 of the same name. The story is quite inspiring but I would think it is more educative. Space lovers are in for quite a treat. Science fans will have plenty to reflect and masticate on. Film lovers like myself can just have a good time although we have to sit through a long and partly dull 2 and half hours.  

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