Scott Hits the Spot

Rating: 9/10 (14 November 2015)

The underlying premise of a man being stranded in a hostile environment and having to survive isn't exactly new. But just like that other great "marooned" movie, "Castaway," I was fully engaged and enthralled with what was happening on screen.
Damon gives a great sympathetic performance, imbuing his character with some snarky, albeit good-spirited wit, as he deals with the multiple obstacles the inhospitable Martian environment throws at him.
I was totally engaged watching him "science the sh!t" out of everything. I can't remember the last time the main character in a movie was a botanist, but it really works with Mark Watney. He displays "MacGyver-like" ingenuity to overcome the multiple deficits of being on Mars.
The production values, as is to be expected with Ridley Scott, are immaculate. All the visual and special effects look completely realistic, and the supporting cast all do a great job of keeping the movie rollicking at a quick beat.
"The Martian" is a great adventure story with a ton of heart and intelligence, that, although it has no violence and the antagonists are simply the Martian environment and the limitations of humankind, had me completely glued to the screen.