Matt Damon out of this world in 'The Martian' - East Idaho News
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Matt Damon out of this world in ‘The Martian’

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When I was a little kid, I wanted to be an astronaut more than I wanted pizza, cartoons or a new bike. Blame it on “Star Wars,” but I was fascinated by space. I wondered what was really up there, if there were spaceships zipping around blasting explosive bolts of deadly photons at each other. As I learned more about what space is actually like, it didn’t dampen my enthusiasm. I still wanted to go out exploring in the cosmos.

After seeing “The Martian” I’m having second thoughts. Maybe I’ll just stay home and put this movie on a loop instead.

Based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, “The Martian” stars Matt Damon as astronaut Mark Watney, who is stranded on Mars after his mission crew pulls an emergency abort in the midst of an intense sandstorm. Watney decides to go to work and figure how to survive until someone shows up to take him home.

Meanwhile, a whole gang of folks at NASA are trying to pull together a plan to rescue Watney. Numbers get crunched and, in the end, a death-defying scheme is set into motion by Watney’s crewmates. Can Watney survive long enough to catch his ride home?

Damon’s performance as Watney is obviously the key to “The Martian,” and Damon knocks it way out of the park. Watney is smart, funny and resourceful. He also has moments of doubt and vulnerability. Damon pulls it all off beautifully, giving Watney an inner strength that you can see on top of all that. You can’t help but pull for Watney.

Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) finds himself stranded and alone on Mars in "The Martian." (Twentieth Century Fox)

The supporting cast is up Damon’s level. Chiwetel Ejiofor is awesome as the engineer in charge of Watney’s mission. I’ve been a fan of Ejiofor since “Serenity.” He just doesn’t give bad performances. Jeff Daniels is also great as NASA chief Teddy Sanders. He knows the stakes and strives to resolve things in a responsible manner. Jessica Chastain, Sean Bean and Donald Glover also shine.

Director Ridley Scott, who also headed “Alien,” “Blade Runner”, “Gladiator” and “Blackhawk Down,” has one of the best eyes in cinema today, and he’s in top form here. His Mars is at once terrifyingly desolate and stunningly beautiful. Scott’s like a master painter, manipulating the medium to conjure to most compelling images possible.

At its heart, “The Martian” is really about people banding together to accomplish a worthy goal. In a world where it seems like everyone seems to be trying to wedge people apart from one another, this is a message we need.

The film also celebrates the human will, the ability to survive against nearly impossible odds. It never loses its sense of humor, which helps keep things from feeling to depressing. The film champions the viewpoint that even when life is at its darkest, there’s plenty to laugh at.

”The Martian” is a rousing celebration of survival and great, likable characters. Matt Damon outstanding performance drives everything, and you’ll be hanging on the edge of your seat hoping Watney gets home. Great acting, writing, and visuals add to the flavor, making “The Martian” one really tasty stew.

4 ½ Indy Fedoras out of 5

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Thanks to Fat Cats in Rexburg for providing screenings for movie reviews on EastIdahoNews.com.

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