The Martian - worth spending time with

Rating: 9/10 (16 October 2015)

I must start this review with a confession - I LOVED the book that this movie is based on. So it was with some trepidation that I approached the movie - it couldn't possibly match the thrill and joy I experienced while reading the book, could it?
I was right, it couldn't.
But it still was a darn good movie.
THE MARTIAN tells the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded alone on Mars. Can Watney use his wits and knowledge of science to survive on an inhospitable planet until rescue can be completed? Or will he die trying?
Watching Damon, as the charismatic Watney, the answer is not nearly as important as the journey. Damon's self-effacing portrayal of the stranded astronaut gets us instantly rooting for him to succeed and solve problem after problem. We are alone with Watney on Mars, but I never felt "the stunt" of him being alone (unlike, say, Tom Hanks in CAST AWAY), so when we finally cut back to Earth, I was somewhat disappointed.
But not too much, for the supporting cast is strong and is populated by fine actor after fine actor. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mission Control guy! Jessica Chastain as the Commander of the Mars Mission! Look there's Kristen Wiig and Sean Bean and good ol' Jeff Daniels!!! And, hey...isn't that THE WINTER SOLDIER guy (Sebastian Stan) as another Astronaut?
And I didn't even mention the always fun Michael Pena, or Kate Mara or lesser known actors such as Benedict Wong, Mackenzie Davis, Donald Glover...
It was fun that all these really strong actors took on smaller roles, it gave the film some heft and importance that it, otherwise, might not have had.
This because director Ridley Scott, did something unusual for him in a space movie - he gave it hope and positivity. Instead of a dystopian future where it is "each man for himself", Scott's view of the future (and screenwriter Drew Goddard) mirrored the author of the book (Andy Weir)'s view of the future - hopeful and helpful. Everyone on Earth pulls together to bring their man home from Mars.
It was a nice change of mood for these kinds of pictures, one that I was ready for.
It is a very good time at the cinema and I cannot recommend this picture strongly enough. Though I would recommend the book more. You'll enjoy yourself - and your time with Mark Watney - whether it is on the screen or on the page - or both!
8 (out of 10) stars - and you can take that to the Bank (of Marquis)