Review of Martian (2015) by Kevin P — 09 Apr 2018

The Martian succeeds with a brisk pace, impressive visuals, competent portrayal of science, chuckling humor, gripping, and a likable ad emotionally resonant protagonist thanks to the effective writing and the charismatic Matt Damon.

I'd say the only downsides are the underdeveloped side characters (the captain of the space crew in particular came across less as a captain and more of a emotionally supportive and attractive female character placed to make us feel for Matt Damon's character) and the occasional lack of tension/dramatic conflict as a sort of Achilles' heel to the movie's humorous tone and scientifically gifted protagonist.

Defaults aside, I'd say I personally prefer this movie over other recent lost-in-space movies like Gravity or Interstellar.