Survival story that takes place on Mars

Rating: 9/10 (26 December 2015)

This is a highly intelligent and very well executed film. It almost made me believe this movie was based on a true story. The cast did their parts really well and it really seemed like they were actually real professionals working for NASA. Matt Damon seems to be a part of a meme now because he gets put in positions where other characters has to put a lot of effort into saving him with this being the 3rd time of that happening in a film. But yeah he was really good in this as the astronaut that gets left behind and has to survive using his intellect and resources at his disposal. And keeping on very optimistic perspective on things despite it dire situation. Which is the reason why he kept chugging away at it without not even trying. While this is going on, the greatest minds on earth are working on a way to bring him back home alive by using their brains, wits and will power. It's like watching nerds working on science projects after science projects to accomplish something really cool. The ideas and direction just kept getting more clever and clever as it progressed. And as it progresses the build up makes you really care as an audience on what is going to happen and because it actually feels like a lot is at stake, although it's a rescue mission to save one man. So near the end, there is quite a bit of tension. I mean I wanted to get out of my seat and cheer although it's a fictional event. I also liked the message at the end about not giving up and keeping hope alive. This isn't a movie that I would want to see again immediately, but it's a really good movie to sit through at least once.
8.5/10