Unsure the first time, much better on the 2nd viewing.

Rating: 8/10 (18 November 2015)

So I was recommended this film by those who had read the book. I knew nothing about it before I went in apart from the great cast and that the (sorry but true) once great Ridley Scott was directing.
I try to write non-spoiler reviews so I will not go into the plot, there are plenty of others before me who have taken the time to do that.
What I will say is that after I walked out the first time, I was a little underwhelmed. Not disappointed. Just I maybe expected a bit more jeopardy with a movie plot set on Mars.
Afterwards I realised why. The last space movie I saw was Gravity, which was, quite simply, armchair clinching! One dramatic, near death scene after another. I was being unfair to draw comparisons and I felt a longing to give it another go.
So, using my certain 'go as many times as you like' cinema card, I sneaked off and saw The Martian again. I enjoyed it much more on a second viewing. I soaked in the cinematography, the comedy, the soundtrack! The plot is really enjoyable and I could very easily watch this again. The Martian will probably be in my Blu Ray collection when released. Odd, you might say, considering I didn't rate it all that much after first viewing. I have a mantra, never really judge a film you've watched until a good 24+ hours later. Even films I thought were awesome first time may not beat the test of 2nd or 3rd viewings and drop a good few points.
After the DIABOLICAL and UNFORGIVABLE 'The counselor' Mr R Scott has gone some way to trusting his gravitas on a film credit again. Though in my book Mr Scott owed me £11 I spend on that excruciating experience.
The great Dr Kermode from Wittertainment believes if given a decent script, Ridley Scott can deliver a great film. This is proof of it. So I hope he chooses his next few projects carefully and send them back to the writers if they're rubbish.
Thanks.