Writer: Cinnamon Lion

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Watch this if you liked: 2014’s “Interstellar”, 2000’s “Mission to Mars”

The Good, the Bad and the Solo Martian:

• There may have been other movies about Mars (and getting stranded on Mars) before, but what sets "The Martian" apart is the nearly accurate scientific facts presented in the movie. Apart from some missteps, for example the planet's low atmospheric pressure wouldn't have created a wind as strong as shown in the movie, it is still one of the more thoroughly researched and factual sci-fi movies.

• Matt Damon has had practice playing a stranded scientist, since he did appear as one in last year's "Interstellar", so that could've contributed to his outstanding performance as Mark Watney. However, the cast does suffer from too many supporting characters when the story could be more focused on the leads.

• The visual effects used in the movie are nothing short of amazing, making audiences feel as if they are part of the movie themselves. The wide angles that often show off the panoramic view of Mars also give a more immersive feel.

• The story provides just enough tension to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and just enough drama to keep audiences engaged, but the grip does seem to lessen toward the end of the movie.

Trivia:

• The red-coloured desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan was used as the main shooting location for "The Martian".

• Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain both acted in Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar", though they didn't share any scenes together.

Cinema Online, 01 October 2015