Why you should watch this film

Rating: 10/10 (11 March 2016)

I have read lots of reviews of this film some good some bad, some people want to hate it and some people love it. I had no opinion either way but having read the book decided to watch it with an open mind.
Is it the book? No, it isn't the book because reading the book takes about 10 hours and a film can't be that long. Because of this some portions have been abbreviated and some omitted for length and pacing. Some things which are explained in detail in the book are not explained at all in the film and that was in all likelihood to keep the talking to the computer log to a minimum as it slows the pace.
Does that make the film bad? No, it is true enough to the spirit of the book and the changes make sense.
Lets talk about the bones of the film, like The Castaway and Gravity and The Moon the main actor is alone on screen for the vast majority of the film. This is hard to pull off, not having anyone to act against. It takes a confidence and ability to communicate non verbally by expression, stance and intonation that many actors can only aspire to. Some people think his character is unrealistic and that by rights he should have curled up in a ball and stopped moving. I disagree, NASA would not send someone with a personality like that on a mission. Nasa's astronauts are a positive, upbeat and determined crowd who would not allow themselves that weakness. Some question the science but it is actually pretty solid so those that doubt it should do some research.
Matt Damon owned this film, he was superb in it. That is hard to say as I have never been overly fond of his acting but praise where it is due he nailed this.
The rest of the cast whilst seen only occasionally are very good in their supporting roles. It speaks measures that such accomplished actors would agree to such small roles and they add immeasurably to the enjoyment of this film.
Should you watch this film? Yes, if you like Sci-Fi or comedy or a feel good ending to a roller-coaster ride film then yes watch it as you will not be disappointed.
I do not listen to pre release hype but on its merits this is a first class film, so go watch it.