The Martian
2015
****½
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor
When struck by a dust storm, the crew of Ares III abort their mission on Mars and leave behind astronaut Mark Watney, who they presume is dead. Watney must use his botanical skills and rely on his overall resourcefulness in order to survive until he can be rescued, which could take months or years at best. This great looking science fiction drama is a funny and tense survival story, and a very enjoyable celebration of human endeavour. The scenario owes more than a little to Gravity, but it is nevertheless Ridley Scott's best work in years. Matt Damon, alone for most of the screen time, gives a great lead performance. Drew Goddard scripted from Andy Weir's novel.
