You Could Be Living Alone On Mars: The Martian Review

“The Martian,” a movie based on the novel by Andy Weir, has taken the U.S., and the world, by storm, still captivating audiences more than a month after its release on Oct. 2.

Directed by Ridley Scott, the film surrounds the incredible, yet risky, journey of space travel. When astronaut Matt Watney (Matt Damon) is abandoned by his crew and left on Mars after assuming that he had died during a fatal storm, he finds himself alone on a planet with no water, limited food, no connection to NASA, and no way home.

Yet somehow, Watney, a botanist (a significant point of humor in the movie as he was constantly teased by his crew for contributing plants to the mission, but little did they know his life would depend on them) is able to use his brains and determination to make water, grow food, and overcome every other problem thrown his way.

This movie is a fantastic mix of success, willpower, tragedy and comedy. For instance, the selflessness of the crew who came back to  bring Watney home in the end, despite the danger and all logic pointing against success, as well as the fact that they had their own families at home, reminds the audience of the goodness of people and our compassion for one another. Watney also possesses bravery and absolute willpower despite every trial and tribulation sent his way, and he somehow did it with the most upbeat, comedic attitude imaginable. The noble act of the crew and the unwavering bravery of Watney left myself, and will leave any viewer, left in awe.

This film definitely is a 5/5 blockbuster because it will not only make you want to study math and science with majors in quantum physics and astronomy, but it will also remind you to never give up even when you feel like there is no way out. If Matt Watney can survive on Mars alone for over a year against all odds, then you can do anything you put your mind to too.

 

Photo by Fox Movies/With Permission