Enjoyed the scenery, but didn't meet any new friends

Rating: 6/10 (27 February 2016)

We enjoyed this trip to Mars and hanging out with some folks in the space station, but we really didn't get to know anyone well enough to say it was a great time, or to want to go back and watch it again. This is the primary problem with the Maritan- it is 95% plot with just a nod to character development. We all know that most story lines are recycled, and the Maritan is your classic stranded on a desert island scenario. What makes each story different is who is in this situation and how they respond. Unfortunately the Martian just doesn't reveal the background, thoughts, motivations or emotions of the characters. The sparse dialogue is utterly expected- the least you could say to move the plot along. And for a movie that depends so much on plot, the final solution to the big problem has been done before, even recently. I won't say where- no spoilers from me, but really, was not surprised by it.
There were touches that I enjoyed. The theme of the rule breaking maverick saving the day, or causing the trouble was avoided. Scientists of all sorts were portrayed in their most interesting and exciting light. And I liked that the movie reminded us that space is still worth exploring, lets get our act together and keep being the pioneers that humans are born to be.
I probably would have give this a 7 instead of 6, except as an Oscar nominee, I am holding it to a slightly higher standard. By all means, watch the movie, enjoy the movie, but there are a lot of elements missing for a truly great movie.