Lacklustre attempt at a science fiction film.

Rating: 6/10 (31 March 2016)

Ridley Scott is a fantastic director. I was expecting a fantastic film. He has shown his prowess in the science fiction genre before, from his brilliant "Alien" series to his seminal classic "Blade Runner". I was expecting something special with a "Castaway" feel to the film. I was sorely mistaken. The cinematography was great and Matt Damon did his best, but in terms of characterization there was little for him to work with. Unlike "Castaway", there was hardly any tension in the film. I felt the silly dialogue dampened the more serious scenes in the film, making those moments quite unconvincing. When there's a plot that follows a stranded astronaut, the movie has a lot of room for intensity and psychological battles. That was why I loved "Castaway", and why I was excited for "The Martian", hoping it would have similar themes and problems for the protagonist. That was not to be. I was expecting a unique, intense, and fresh sci fi movie. Instead I got something that was at times funny, but still unconvincing. With its thin characterization, cheesy and often silly dialogue, this proved to be a mildly entertaining sci fi movie with little intensity and little substance.