Misses the mark

Rating: 6/10 (28 December 2015)

While I appreciate the need to condense all the material found in the book into a 130-minute film, I feel that too much has been left out to the effect that much of the badassery of Mark Watney has been lost.
Important details that highlight Watney's genius, defiance and more importantly autonomy as the sole occupant of Mars should have been kept intact. The ways in which he's encountered and eventually cheated death should have been preserved, or even headlined. Also, we should not forget moments where Mark cherishes and celebrates the simplest things in life (e.g. a good night's sleep).
Examples:
Airlock 1 ripping and the aftermath (i.e. tumbling the Airlock to within walking range of the Hab); The impact of communications - killing the Pathfinder which should have rendered him completely helpless; The modifications to the rover (including trailer, bedroom), and his eventual emotional attachment to it; The entire drive towards Ares 4, including the sandstorm/air days/rover+trailer tumbling - culminating in the discovery of the MAV that should have been a dramatic revelation.
That being said, the film does well in shortening various sequences effectively (potato farming, burning water), and Matt Damon does put up a commendable effort, showing great range of emotions, somewhat let down only by the overall bland tone of the film. In contrast, the book portrays a much darker/grimmer outlook, and a more engaging backdrop, which again highlights the protagonist's resourcefulness, resilience and most importantly, humanity.
Did not care too much for the Ironman heroics nor the epilogue.
Overall, it's a decent film that lacks the impact and suspense that the book excels at building.