The Martian

UK Release Date: 30 September 2015

Certification: 12A

Director: Ridley Scott

Cast: Sean Bean, Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Mara, Michael Peña, Sebastian Stan, Kristen Wiig, Benedict Wong

Rating: 82%

Bring Him Home. 

Review: 

The Martian, based on Andy Weir's debut science fiction novel, is Ridley Scott's best film since Gladiator. I mean no matter how good or bad the finished product is, a Ridley Scott film is always going to look out of this world - literally and metaphorically. He's able to make Mars look interesting beyond the fact that it's not Earth. He brings life to a desolate world with the vibrant oranges and the flourishes of other colours throughout the film that just pop. 

Essentially, The Martian is Castaway in space. And similarly, to Tom Hanks in Castaway, Matt Damon carries the film with his performance. Playing, Mark Watney, an astronaut who finds himself stranded on Mars, having to create water and grow his own crops. His dry wit and dark humour brilliantly juxtaposes with the isolated position he finds himself in. On top of this, he can still convey the emotional moments that feel genuine and warranted. He's struggled to be as great as he is here since The Departed. 

It does help Damon that the supporting cast surrounding him are excellent. Usually, Earth scenes come across as boring in Space movies but that isn't the case due to the actors involved. Chiwetel Ejiofor is fantastic conveying both the sense of concern and anguish for Mark Watney and his crew whilst also being determined enough to 'bring him home'. Benedict Wong acts across from Ejiofor bouncing off him displaying the chemistry we'd see a year later in Doctor Strange. Bit part players Sean Bean, Jeff Daniels and Kristen Wiig all bring their own dynamic to the film. Watney's crew all produce superb performances. Jessica Chastain's convolution and regret for leaving Watney behind makes her character interesting to see on screen. Kate Mara and Sebastian Stan's romance has roughly five minutes of screen time and it somehow still comes across as believable. And that's down to the fact that Ridley Scott just lets his cast act without supervision. Michael Peña is my only slight issue because everyone knows his comedic potential but he feels wasted in the film. 

The Martian is a Sci-Fi drama but I found myself to be laughing more than quite a few comedies. There's sarcasm, wit and dad jokes. Matt Damon delivers exposition whilst making it fun and enjoyable by throwing a joke in the mix every once in a while. 

Nevertheless, what really makes the film work for me is the realistic and grounded feel. Each problem that hinders Watney's survival can be overcome through the use of maths and science, and to me that feels quite intimate as someone who appreciates both maths and solving problems. The technology doesn't feel advanced or futuristic allowing the audience to connect with the story that little bit more. 

The soundtrack amplifies the feel-good atmosphere of The Martian. David Bowie's 'Starman' was always going to be included but it doesn't mean it isn't satisfying to hear. There's even some ABBA involved in the form of 'Waterloo' and I love a bit of ABBA. Harry Gregson-Williams' original score feels mystifying at certain points. 'Mars' is a delightful piece that highlights the scale of the film indicating just how small we truly are. 'Making Water' and 'Crossing Mars' also boost the respective scenes that they accompany.