A slow (but sure) return to form

Rating: 7/10 (12 October 2015)

This is a "not bad" return for Ridley Scott. He shows his chops in pacing and cinematography, while Matt Damon tries for humor and distress. Occasionally he succeeds, occasionally he does not. Damon's portrayal of a stranded astronaut on Mars is sometimes less stressful than that of those back home trying to bring him back.
Contrary to some reviews, I think the film finds many of its high points back on Earth with a performance like that of Chiwetel Ejiofo, who shines as Vincent Kapoor. This is the case with many performances in The Martian; it is the supporting characters who pick up the slack. (Donald Glover, Mackenzie Davis, Michael Peña.)
See this movie for the sci-fi, avoid it for the thrill and humor.