Macho Martian Man

Rating: 9/10 (9 October 2015)

Matt Damon carries the load as he is left alone on Mars to survive. But that is in the trailers and ads and posters so did we need the head of NASA stepping up to a podium with a Presidential Seal telling the audience what we just saw? Perhaps the movie could have been trimmed here as it is a bit long.
The effects exceed the performances and are sure to be recognized this awards season. Of course the movie requires considerable suspension of disbelief. Jessica Chastain who recently got back from space in "Interstellar" is in orbit again. She and Sandra Bullock must have been in astronaut training school together. Sure there are elements of "Gravity" and "Castaway" but the Mars location gives things a fresh spin.
The movie subscribed to the theory of glasses on actors make them look smarter. Great product placement for Duct Tape as it solves a lot of problems in space and hostile planets.
There is plenty of interesting music including some great stuff from Abba. It's a fun time at the movies even if you see what is coming and know the ending before the first day of shooting. It looks great on the big screen, the bigger the better. The 3D was very subtle and mostly noticeable in space debris scenes. Even if you shy away from science fiction give this movie a chance. It is worth seeing.