They also discover a strange formation that looks like it has been assembled. When they try to examine it, however, it appears to attack them with a giant sandstorm. It's not nearly as simple as just saddling up and riding to the rescue. As he moves them closer to their objective, De Palma makes it clear that all the technology in the world is no match for the vastness and unpredictability of space. Yet his real theme is stated by the deceased Maggie McConnell, seen in home movies that Jim watches just before arriving at Mars.
Life reaches out to life.
Of course, but not the kind you would expect. What these earthlings discover is a link that purports to explain many of the mysteries of life on Earth and beyond. Though he has got the feral look of a villain, Sinise is believable as a grounded dreamer, embodying that oxymoron with a kind of goodness that is palpable. He has strong support from the always-reliable Don Cheadle, from the unpredictable but stalwart Tim Robbins and, to a lesser degree, from Connie Nielsen. O'Connell also does a solid job as the wise-cracking member of the mission.