Less Ambitious than Interstellar but Brilliantly Delivered and Funny

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2015)

Ares III, another group mission of NASA astronauts to the Mars may not have originality in plot due to source adaptation and visual effects not as amazing as Academy Awards winner Interstellar, director Ridley Scott and screenwriter Drew Gooddard still manage to turn it into a successful and brilliant sci-fi. It's definitely not scientifically accurate at all levels due to minor flaws, but the story mainly focuses on the survival skills and rescue efforts which are presented in a straightforward, entertaining, chilling, educational yet inspiring way. The film is surprisingly funny compared to Interstellar and Gravity thanks to the outstanding performance from Matt Damon who delivers the character's positive attitude overshadowing the fear of being a stranded stranger on the red planet, other strong star-studded cast including Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels and Chiwetel Ejiofor have solid performances as well as scores composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, not extremely powerful but strong enough to fit into scenes. While it seems to be a rescue mission, the film is able to deliver an important message - regardless the help from the whole world, self-initiation determines the survival opportunity. Overall at a smaller scale and fans perception, The Martian fits perfectly as sequel of 2013's Gravity and prequel to 2014's Interstellar.