Pretty generic, really. So given that premise, you would think that this scenario would give way to lots of character development. That's right, stereotypical sci-fi characters. Well, no, it's actually interesting in some parts. I think the biggest thing that this movie had going for it was the underlying story.
Earth is about to become extinct and mankind has to find refuge.
So these guys systematically try to populate Mars. So they send a bunch of stuff there and try to grow green algae, which will produce oxygen so they can breathe. Obviously everything goes wrong both in space and on the planet, and this does hold some drama. Effects were not overdone but served purpose, the robot AMEE was a pleasant surprise in ingenuity and actually having relevance, and of course there was Carrie-Ann Moss' tank top. Throw in the sniffing Iceman Doc Holiday, and you've got an interesting film.