Review of 'The Martian'

Ridley Scott returns to his science fiction roots with his latest film The Martian. Based on the Andy Weir novel of the same name, Matt Damon stars as Mark Watney: an astronaut who is left behind on Mars after his crew presumed that he had died during a fierce storm on the red planet. Living on a limited supply of rations, and using his skills as a botanist, Mark does all he can to survive on the otherwise inhabitable planet.If you have watched any Hollywood space movie from the past 20 years then there will be a lot will be familiar in this latest entry into an ever-active genre; it’s not without the odd cliché or two. However after a streak of banal, flat and forgettable films in recent years, Ridley Scott returns triumphantly with his most enjoyable film in ages, reminding us just how much of a brilliant director of sci-fi he was before.The Martian has a lot to show for as a film, immersing the viewer into space and the vast arid landscapes of Mars. The Martian is visually epic, making for brilliant cinematic spectacle. It features stunning CGI effects that would make one recall 2013’s Gravity, and remarkable sets that bring audiences back to Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Screenwriter Drew Goddard effortlessly adds warmth, wit and pitch black laughs to Andy Weir's story. Weir and Goddard present us with one of this year's stand out movie characters in Mark Watney; a truly admirable and endearing character that perseveres to survive even when all hope seems to be lost. Matt Damon is at his best when he is a character that is easy to root for.It’s not a perfect film but it is nonetheless a thoroughly fun enjoyable film, brimming with smarts, laughs and nail biting tension that will keep you gripped. Ridley Scott’s The Martian has proven to be one of the best sci-fi films of 2015.