“I’m gonna have to science the shit out of this.”
– Mark Watney
SYNOPSIS: During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. – via IMDB
This was something I was looking forward to seeing because, well, Matt Damon. Yep, I will watch the man anywhere. Knowing it was a Ridley Scott film, I was tentative (come on, Exodus is still way too fresh in our minds to dismiss). He can either be brilliant or he can really suck. But back to space? Sure. Right off the bat, my fiancé was not a happy camper by the time this was over. While he said it was good, he was hoping for something more like Interstellar or Alien, and he got neither, but this does not mean the movie was crappy, it’s just not something he is going to rush again. I know there are a few people that feel that way. So, for me, the movie really isn’t bad. I was entertained and there was a lot to like, even with the shortcomings of it. However, I certainly don’t feel that the movie is worth all the hype that is running rampant about it, truly. I was a huge fan of Matt Damon in this, he just totally owned that role of Mark Watney, and he was geeky, nerdy, hilarious and resourceful, and he was entertaining every second he was on screen (not that I expected any less). Also, let’s not forget Sebastian Stan in 3D, something I can always easily get on board with because so much deliciousness there – but I totally could have done with more of him on screen. I loved the science side of the movie, and how it came together. I was a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings reference in the movie because a) Lord of the Rings and b) Sean Bean was present for the whole thing! I thought seeing the multiple uses of duct tape to be fabulous and provided me with plenty laughs, and the disco music Watney was subjected to? Priceless, and made for a hilarious soundtrack to the film. The film is visually stunning, and I was mesmerised from the off by it. All of this, however, does not make a great movie, there were some things I took issue with. The biggest flaw of this movie is the fact that everything happening on Mars is fascinating and engrossing, but the Earth element just does not measure up and falls short in too many places. Let’s not forget the silliness that was Rich Purnell, and no, I do not say that in an endearing way. The character was annoying to the nth degree, and made me cringe. Not to mention the movie was filled with things slotting into place at just the right moment, and information coming to the fore at just the right time, which made it a little too convenient for me to fully buy into. I found Watney’s crew to be incredibly underutilised – come on, they could have been more present, Chastain was criminally underused here. Some of the zero gravity movement looked a bit stiff for me, and I was incredibly unimpressed with the way that Watney loses all that weight as he stays on Mars, and a body double was used to represent this, yet the moment he is back in his (skintight) suit, he is all buff again. The script and pacing was all over the show, as well, and I thought it lacked inventiveness. Despite all this, The Martian is shot wonderfully, showcases a solid return to form for Scott, and is worth a watch at least once even though it is riddled with some silly faults.
Bestie, a SEVEN?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bestie, a seven, yes xD
LikeLike
PFFT!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still haven’t seen this. Really need to change that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that you enjoy it when you see it Geoff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have yet to see this, but I really want to. Nice review.
LikeLike
Thanks Vinnie, hope you see it soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure I will, but the movie I’m most excited for is Spectre.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely – Spectre is the one I am waiting on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nobody does it better than 007.
LikeLike
I remembered that you’re a fan of Desperate Housewives. I just finished the entire series, what a show. Hope you look at my reviews.
LikeLike
I have to play catch up all over the show, I am so behind. I am currently in the middle of exams and haven’t had the time to read. I did love that show!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No pressure, just comment when you can. They’re all in my review index to read.
LikeLike
Great review! Haven’t seen it yet. Big fan of the novel. Read it twice, lol. Looking forward to it big time. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really hope that you enjoy it, and definitely have to read it after watching it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think we felt very very similarly about this one. I didn’t mind Rich Purnell so much though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think we are in the minority here for sure xD
Oh no, we were incredibly unimpressed with him while watching!
LikeLike
Yeah no doubt about it the hype has blown up quite crazily for The Martian. I personally need to buy this I had so much fun with it, but you’ve pointed out several really good things that, now thinking about them, were a bit problematic. I took issue with how underused Kristen Wiig was, and that part really could’ve been cast for anyone. Why her? I have no idea. The Ares mission crew were pretty sporadically (hehe) used but what we saw of them was pretty enjoyable. I loved the scene where they are finally reunited. Made me all warm and fuzzy inside. I think that might be why everyone’s going so crazy about it. It’s like, the warmest Ridley Scott movie — by far. Doubt he’ll do something like this again. Not unless he’s going soft in his old age. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Overhyped but still entertaining. I really wanted to love it more than I did. That supporting cast issue was a big problem for me
I really liked how it all (albeit conveniently) came together at the end though.
Oh most certainly Scott’s warmest movie!
#Sporadically
LikeLiked by 1 person