The Martian (2015)

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4/5

Oct, 2015.

When it comes to creating dazzling, immersive and epic cinematic worlds few do it better than Director Ridley Scott. The visual auteur who has brought us such classics as *Blade Runner, [Alien](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078748/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_7_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_alien) and [Gladiator](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0172495/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1) blasts back to form with [The Martian](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3659388/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1)*, the story of a rather unfortunate astronaut who find himself stranded on Mars some 140 million miles away from Earth.

Based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name we follow the plight of Mark Watney (Matt Damon), a botanist who is left for dead after a devastating windstorm forces his crew to abandon their mission on the red planet. Watney’s task is daunting, his rations will only get him so far and he faces the challenge of trying to stay alive long enough for the next rescue mission that’s not due for four years. By chance Watney happens to be a botanist, as he puts it ‘the best botanist on the planet’ and so he gets to work on rigging an irrigation system from what’s left of his craft to help grow a mass stockpile of potatoes planted in poo. What follows is rip roaring adventure that has just the right amount of science, thrills and humour to keep you completely captivated.

Sir Ridley has not always found the script to match his vivid imagination (Exodus: Gods and Kings, Prometheus, The Counsellor) but thanks to Drew Goddard’s stellar screenplay and an A-list cast this sci-fi trip fires on all cylinders. Jessica Chastain’s portrayal of Lewis the steely yet guilt-ridden mission commander is well balanced, whilst back at mission control Nasa director Teddy Sander, played by Jeff Daniels, hams it up to perfection as the Nasa director plotting to bring his man home. Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Kristen Wing (Knocked Up, Bridesmaids), Kate Mara (House of Cards) and Sean Bean complete the supporting cast but the shining star is undoubtedly Matt Damon. We’ve grown accustomed to the all out action films that have cemented Damon as a true hollywood star (Bourne franchise, Elysium) but this role allows him the chance to turn on the charm and humour that make this film such a joy to watch. Through video diaries and satellite communications we watch a man literally acting with himself creating an intimate rapport with the audience that has you cheering his every endeavour.

Whilst The Martian is certainly not a comedy it’s so refreshing to see a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is happy to dish out an equal measure of laughs and thrills mixed with a retro 70s disco soundtrack that really elevates the movie. And all the while Scott does he what he does best: conjuring up an eye-popping galactic spectacle that is only heightened by its 3D presentation.

Whilst I admit I’m a shameless Ridley Scott fanboy this is a film that has something for everyone and whilst there is the odd flaw — a slightly miscast Sean Bean and the cheesy global TV broadcast of the final act — these are easily forgiven. The Martian is quite simply popcorn cinema at it’s very best, a treat well worthy of its ballistic box office success.