Probably the best film I've seen this year

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2015)

If you're a sci-fi fan who's heavy on the science, there may be a few challenges in store for you here, but I grew up dreaming about space exploration, know more than most about the reality, and I was more than satisfied with this ambitious film.
I can believe there will be a whole new generation growing up with notions of being an astronaut between this film and the earlier 'Gravity'. It's interesting how both 'The Martian' and 'Gravity' manage to create an engaging story from the whole of what we know about space travel so far. There's something very seductive about that.
Matt Damon is the focus here. He plays an astronaut inadvertently stranded on Mars and thinking about this role, I imagine good actors could have very different interpretations. All I know is Damon's low key performance would be hard to top. You will be rooting for him throughout his unprecedented ordeal.
The other thing is the way Ridley Scott decided to treat Mars. His approach is not that complicated or cerebral. It's almost as if everyone knows Mars and doesn't have to be introduced to it. Instead he focuses on the people and the way they work together to help one of their own. The result is a strong movie where you care about everyone involved.
My wife, hardly a science buff, loved it. And I can't imagine anyone not being moved by it.