Stranded On Mars

Rating: 8/10 (10 April 2016)

When a dangerous windstorm threatens, the crew of the Ares 3 mission must quickly abort and leave the surface of Mars. They mistakenly leave behind Mark Watney (Matt Damon), who decides to find a way to survive in the harsh environment with inadequate supplies. Watney is a botanist who uses his problem solving and resource management talents to their best advantage.
Meanwhile, people back on Earth are celebrating Watney's sacrifice with a large memorial and plenty of hoopla.
Matt Damon gets most of the screen time of "The Martian". As in other castaway stories, his experience is the focus of the film. Viewers can identify with his everyman qualities and project themselves into his situation, making the film a one-man adventure. As someone who prefers first-person video games, I found this to be very relatable and enjoyable.
Though there are a few (notable) errors of science, this is good science fiction. It also includes enough humor to keep the mood somewhat light.
One running gag is that Watney dislikes disco music, but it's the only music available to him on Mars (after he rifles through the belongings of his fellow crew members). As a viewer, I began to share his opinion by the end of the film, but only because the recordings were all of the pop-disco style (e.g. Gloria Gaynor, Miami Sound Machine), which rely more on their lyrics than the pounding, driving beat that is the hallmark of truly inspiring swing dance disco. It's a distinction few viewers will key on.
Instead, focus on the enchanting story and you will survive.