Read Mixed User Reviews for The Martian

5

OkiepokiesmokieOct 3, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I didn't read the book and I'm not particularly into science. I'm very interested in space topics, though, so I thought I'd at least enjoy it. Sadly, I really did not.

For a movie about such a truly horrific and desolate situation, I was shocked that its tone was highly upbeat for 90% of the movie.

I found it lacking in tension, emotion, and character development. I thought it was much longer than it needed to be. There were times I was really truly bored. When the last montage came on, I felt myself drift off. There were so many montages.

The stakes for Mark's survival were never very high. He didn't appear to have much of a family at home that he missed (he asks Lewis to send his love to his parents once, but that's it), everything seemed to go very well for him in general. He always had a perfect solution for everything, he was basically super human. The isolation of his situation raree showed in his character. He got a bit huffy once when something broke and he was a bit emotional when he was finally being rescued, but he showed none of the signs of a person completely isolated for a year. He had no development and no attachments.

The sense of humor throughout felt cheesy to me. I cringed a lot. The jokes were like a what a 35 year old science professor picked up from a few months on the Internet. The use of curse words as humor is only funny if you're very young. I can't believe I'm seeing praise for that.

I thought the supporting characters were soulless. When asked if they would spend another bunch of years in space to return for Mark, not a SINGLE one objected? Everything in this universe existed for Mark and no one else. He was the universe's priority

Donald Glover's character was bizzare, he existed for cheap, immature laughs.

One thing I will say is, it built a bit of tension when they were finally executing the rescue, but ultimately those scenes left me missing Interstellar and Gravity.

Overall, I really don't get the hype. This movie was boring, often cringe-worthy and lacked tension. The protagonist was cocky, didn't have many emotional attachments to earth and was smarter than everyone else.… Expand

15 of 26 users found this helpful1511

All this user's reviews

4

Ryan55Oct 4, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I realize this probably won't be a popular review, but I don't understand why everyone is praising this film so much. I'll list off the pros and cons to show why I'm giving it a 4/10.
Pros: The science is accurate,
The movie is visually stunning (seen in 3D IMAX)

Cons: First, the film gets its tone all wrong. For a film that is basically Robinson Crusoe set on Mars, The Martian is oddly lighthearted. The result is that the movie has absolutely no tension. You know Mark isn't going to die, that he's going to be brought home safe, and that every problem is going to have a solution which requires no one to sacrifice their well-being, which makes for a boring movie.
Second, the other reason it's a boring movie is that most of the problems are solved through deus ex machina. "Oh no, we blew up our rocket!" "Oh hey, how convenient that the Chinese government has a spare rocket engine we can use, and that they're willing to share this state secret solely out of the kindness of their hearts, despite the fact that there is no plot buildup to this solution whatsoever." There are plenty of other examples, but I won't list them all to save space. The point is that the film lacks verisimilitude as a result.
Third, absolutely no person has any character development. Mark, who is stranded by himself on a hostile planet for two years, remains the same character type throughout the movie. His isolation doesn't seem to impact his psyche at all.This is really weird and took me out of the story. The script writer seems to think that everyone getting new jobs at the end of the movie serves as character development.
Fourth, endless plot points that are simply tangents. Mark talks about God once at the start of the movie, and we're led to believe he probably does believe in God. Does his faith (or possible lack thereof) change his view on things? Not really. Does his view on God change at all through this difficult experience? Not really. So why is it brought up? For a cheap, lighthearted joke. Mark talks about his parents once. Do we ever see them? No. Do we know anything about them or anything about Mark's other relatives? Not really. Most of the side characters work this way too. Donald Glover plays a geeky astrophysicist who solves a difficult science problem, receiving a few minutes of screen time. Do we ever see him again? Not until the end credits. Half of the characters work this way!

Sorry this review is so long, but the cons take a lot of space to accurately map out. In short, The Martian plays out as if it was written by a high school science teacher. It's filled with science experiments meant to keep people interested, but all the characters are bland, static, and in no danger. Somehow, Ridley Scott managed to make an incredibly sterile movie about space exploration.… Expand

19 of 33 users found this helpful1914

All this user's reviews

6

HolaMrReyesOct 8, 2015

Like the Tom Hank's character is "Castaway," Matt Damon's character in "The Martian" eschews philosophical and spiritual issues despite facing great dangers to his life. I may be old-fashioned, but there is something truly unrealistic aboutLike the Tom Hank's character is "Castaway," Matt Damon's character in "The Martian" eschews philosophical and spiritual issues despite facing great dangers to his life. I may be old-fashioned, but there is something truly unrealistic about a character facing certain death and employing nothing but rocket science to get out of the mess he's in.… Expand

8 of 14 users found this helpful86

All this user's reviews

5

Reagan0Oct 12, 2015

Time for the dreaded "mixed review"

I'll say right now - if you love space movies, Mars, science, astrophysics, NASA, or anything related to these things, this movie will become your new favorite. There's not a doubt in my mind. It veryTime for the dreaded "mixed review"

I'll say right now - if you love space movies, Mars, science, astrophysics, NASA, or anything related to these things, this movie will become your new favorite. There's not a doubt in my mind. It very sincerely pushes the boundaries of what films have explained of astronomical science. It does what other movies have not in this regard, I'll absolutely give it that.

As for me, science was my worst subject, so a lot of the impressiveness this movie simply must contain goes right over my head.

And yes, I do understand it on the same level I understand a movie like Interstellar, except even more because the physics and the "botany" and such is explained on a very personable level. However, it doesn't work for the same reasons Interstellar might not work. The entire movie is an _estimation_ of how you could go about a Mars rescue. That is why people go to see it.

As a result, there's not much else keeping the movie going except constant scientific explanation. I was definitely expecting something a lot more thrilling going into "The Martian", a movie where you have to **** rescue Matt Damon from Mars' deathly atmosphere from thousands of miles away in space. Maybe I'll stick with some other film in that regard, because this one doesn't cut it at all. The tone of the film is a dead giveaway – Matt Damon will come home safe and that the movie will stretch its own boundaries and possibilities just to make that happen. And I won't give away a big twist in the middle of the movie that makes you doubt it, but in retrospect, even that wasn't good enough to fool me. It was never a matter of "if" Matt Damon was gonna come home, it was a matter of when and how. The how was pretty interesting, the when was incredibly tedious.

Another reason why you might love this movie is that there's lots of character development – IF YOU'RE A SCIENCE GEEK. As for me, I don't get the characters at all. Matt Damon is supposed to be some kind of hardcore, pushing-the-limits scientist. The other scientists have a billion inside jokes with each other that are completely dumb, but it's supposed to be in an "aww, their relationships with each other are so adorable" kind of way. It doesn't work for me at all.

I know and knew many young people who are into science and are in Harvard and UF and other schools studying this stuff right now. I know they will love this movie because it's custom-tailored to someone who thinks about the stuff the movie talks about all the time. It's for the Neil DeGrasse Tyson generation. It is not for anyone else, as far as I can tell. I did not really enjoy it. There are movies like it already in existence that are better at what they do in every area but the science.

One more thing: If you think the People's Republic of China's government would actually share a secret with the United States to save one person, you clearly don't know Chinese history. That's probably the most disappointing deus ex machina in film history Reagan0 out.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

5

NathanAllenOct 12, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Honestly this wasn't terrible it just fell flat. The acting was pretty flat, the soundtrack was very flat.

I feel like someone told the actors that all scientists and engineers are typically emotionless human beings. All of the NASA interactions in the first half of the moving are just not engaging. It does pick up in second half and overall I would have been happier with the movie except for the nonsensical end.

The Good: Overall the movie was smartly adapted from the book. I think all of the sections removed were smart decisions that would have taken forever to narrate and been really hard to depict. Matt Damon did well. Kristen Wiig did a good job with her character, wish she could have had a little more time.

The Bad: The acting and actors. I don't think Chastain was a great pick for Commander Lewis. I would have liked to see someone a bit more hard edged. It seems like Vogel is only German so that he can say Mein Gott instead of My God at one point. I'm not sure if Jeff Daniels was actually awake.

The Ugly: The point where Hermes crew finds out Watney's still alive is a huge up of celebration and then a huge down of Lewis admitting she left him behind, and I didn't get any of that at all from the scene. It just went straight to Lewis being down. That was a failure of acting and directing.

Vincent Kapoor instead of Venkat: The long winded explanation of father religion and mother religion then the punchline, which seemed almost whispered, was far less effective than just having the character being Hindu.

Donald Glover as Danny Pudi's Abed as Rich Purnell.

The final scene. Wow was that dumb. Matt Damon leaps from a spinning capsule after cutting a hole in his suit he can't control. You can see the thrust going all over the place (like Lewis said it would) and yet he surprisingly stays right on course. And then of course the hole seals up when it's no longer important and no one seems worried that all of his air is venting to space. It just flies in the face of a novel that was compelling because it was accurate. And they didn't have any dumb departures from reality like this the whole movie, then to do it at the end, when it wasn't even necessary or that engaging?

Overall it was entertaining. I wouldn't watch it again.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

4

jgzegerDec 31, 2015

I'm not a NASA engineer but the scientist inside me is screaming that this plot is far-fetched. If a movie isn't near being realistic, it has to be a great work of art for me to take it seriously, which The Martian isn't. Sorry.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

annbdJul 22, 2018

Let's do the critic here. :) F****** hate this Matt Damon guy. So annoying proudly face, that I want to punch. I will never know why they choose him in potential movies. This guy is not for the cinema. He would be better in poster for someLet's do the critic here. :) F****** hate this Matt Damon guy. So annoying proudly face, that I want to punch. I will never know why they choose him in potential movies. This guy is not for the cinema. He would be better in poster for some fashion agency with some arrogant sullen-looking type of guy. Anyways, if the protagonist was played by different actor like Matthew McConaughey (who have already proofed, that he can make it in space :D) or DiCaprio (who we see can beat even the nature in The Relevant :D). This guy will be good for a role of gym maniac, who is training all day long and is dumb.

For the movie I could say, that it has interesting idea. Obviously, a lot of money has been invested and this explains the almost perfect directing. But the soundtrack is not well selected - it's bad. Not just annoying songs, but we have to listen to several attempts with flat jokes, that do not fit the atmosphere at all. If the movie was made a little bit more seriously and if there were no Matt Damon, than it would be maybe 9/10.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

5

moviecritic68Oct 6, 2015

Really ???? Another movie which is grossly overrated. When yours truly falls asleep in the middle of the movie do I need to really explain. For the life of me I don't get all these good reviews unless they just like Matt Damon movies orReally ???? Another movie which is grossly overrated. When yours truly falls asleep in the middle of the movie do I need to really explain. For the life of me I don't get all these good reviews unless they just like Matt Damon movies or previous Ridley Scott films. Casting was poor in my estimate ( Jeff Daniels ) director at NASA pleaseeeee. Here is a tip ..... if a new release is being over advertised before the open date beware.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

5

Douglas56Oct 7, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A heavily over-hyped film that fails to deliver in any department, except perhaps special effects. The problem is fundamentally due to director Ridley Scott's silly adaptation of a 'nerd thriller' that compromises both scientific authenticity and story-telling charm to create an sci-fi adventure that is neither believable nor entertaining. The film pays serious attention to detail in matters such as food and water supply for The Martian yet depends on an increasingly improbable series of mishaps and 'heroic' acts to move the plot along. Surprisingly corny dialogue, lame soundtrack, forgettable acting by the supporting cast and a succession of action-adventure cliches (including that old stand-by: the kitchen-made bomb for blowing the hatch) confirms Scott's fading reputation in this genre. Let's hope NASA does better when the real thing happens.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

6

gfnyOct 6, 2015

Matt Damon turned in a good performance, Jeff Daniels was weak or miss cast for his role. Direction was also well done. The elephant in the room was the story line that was so unbelievable as to be a distraction to the film.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

6

szszszOct 6, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In comparison to the book, the movie is very shallow and its completely ripped off of the core of the story - the desperate will of surviving in deadly environment by a smart scientist.
All the science behind Mark's moves is gone.
All the though processes are gone.
Almost all of engineering done in the story (rebuilding stuff around to buy yourself more time) is gone.
Everything just happens, like Mark was prepared by his NASA training for such a situation - and the most interesting part of the story, which if i remember correctly is something like first 30-40% of the book is just compressed to first 15 minutes. Literally.

As a movie itself - its good. Sceneries are great, view of cosmos is breathtaking. Music is great. Acting is good. It builds the tension even if you totally know the plot. Would definetely tell a casual movie watcher to go and see it. But if you are a little bit of a science geek - just read a book.

And its not 8/10. Not if we are supposed to rate a book in the same 1-10 scale.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

6

RobertOBrienOct 11, 2015

None of the cast members are able to rise above average with their performances, the characters aren't the most endearing, and the visuals (While done incredibly well) have been done to death, and the depiction of outer space in a film noNone of the cast members are able to rise above average with their performances, the characters aren't the most endearing, and the visuals (While done incredibly well) have been done to death, and the depiction of outer space in a film no longer impresses. But I have to give the film credit that the last scene is very intense, and that throughout the entire 2 hours and 20 minutes that this film runs for, it is not once boring.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

6

phasemasterOct 8, 2015

The Martian shows great promise, but ultimately fails to rise above the fray of platitudinous dialog and Matt Damon's inability to actually be as charming as he thinks he is. The film is at its best at the very beginning, where there is aThe Martian shows great promise, but ultimately fails to rise above the fray of platitudinous dialog and Matt Damon's inability to actually be as charming as he thinks he is. The film is at its best at the very beginning, where there is a true feeling of impending doom. But it soon devolves into triteness thanks to poorly written and underutilized characters played by great actors like Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean, and Kristen Wiig.

Even Jessica Chastain (as the Hermes mission commander that left Matt Damon's character stranded on Mars) valiantly struggles to deliver lines that the audience saw coming an hour ago.

Although the film manages to be fairly entertaining, it fails to capture the intensity of similar movies like Gravity or Apollo 13--even though the main character is stranded several million miles further away from Earth. It's a disappointing effort for Ridley Scott, who seems much better at directing a fantasy/horror movies situated in space (i.e. - Alien and Prometheus) than the dumbed down quasi-realistic fare that is The Martian.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

4

ryecaOct 3, 2015

I can't understand the good reviews. This movie is very cheesy, like a bad space MacGuyver. Except space MacGuyver sounds awesome. The movie is just exposition - you know the saying "Show, don't tell?" Well, apparently this movie hasn't heardI can't understand the good reviews. This movie is very cheesy, like a bad space MacGuyver. Except space MacGuyver sounds awesome. The movie is just exposition - you know the saying "Show, don't tell?" Well, apparently this movie hasn't heard that storytelling strategy. Every line is literally somebody explaining their actions, for two hours. There is one joke that lands and many more that are obvious duds. Donald Glover is trying to play the savant with mild aspergers, but just comes off as annoying and cliche. Also, there is one point where they use a skinny actor to play a starved Damon, but they cover his face using a towel. It is so embarrassing.… Expand

8 of 23 users found this helpful815

All this user's reviews

4

CameraBounceGodOct 7, 2015

why couldn't they have left chastain or bryce dallas howard.....i really don't care about matt damon being left somewhere for being stupid weather he grows plants or not............i like the way though that its only 20 minutes in and iwhy couldn't they have left chastain or bryce dallas howard.....i really don't care about matt damon being left somewhere for being stupid weather he grows plants or not............i like the way though that its only 20 minutes in and i already don't mind watching it.......i truly would not have cared at all about anything that would have happened before the beginning....i thought my neighbors phone was ringing for the ear ringing scene....which is annoying enough already for me to be happy about him being blown up now.....Kristin Wig...finally....never realized it because of welcome to me ...but love her cuz shes ugly......hmm..."by the way none of this matters at all, if i can't find a way to contact Nasa...."… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

6

AxeTOct 4, 2015

With heavy hitters like Ridley Scott and Matt Damon, it's understood the field of play will be on the highest of levels. The high concept novel adaptation had me at hello. Loved the Mars vistas, not so much all the silly dialogue. A bigWith heavy hitters like Ridley Scott and Matt Damon, it's understood the field of play will be on the highest of levels. The high concept novel adaptation had me at hello. Loved the Mars vistas, not so much all the silly dialogue. A big popcorn pleaser like this needs the humor sure, but it went too far here and took away from what could have been a more serious dramatic adventure picture while still being fun and playing some comedy. Not to mention the movie is extremely predictable. Put it this way, I give "Gravity" and "Castaway" each 9 out of 10.
A note on the 3D: while it started off good and in your face, that quickly dissipated as with ALL these big 3D releases that don't push the medium nearly far enough as I complain about on here over and over! Without giving anything away, there's a scene at the end that flat out blows the so obvious tailored use of depth that it's just freaking unbelievable these directors and studio execs still don't get it at this point! Stay 2D if you are afraid to push it! "Gravity" is about the only major movie that did in the last several years! Look, we don't want to wear the stupid glasses for no reason, not to mention paying the 30% up-charge per ticket! You want to be subtle? Ah, that would be called 2D! I saw it via the Dolby process at the DGA in Hollywood, so it wasn't the venue, I can sure as hell tell you that! I bet Zemeckis went for it with "The Walk". Review coming up right here next…… Expand

5 of 18 users found this helpful513

All this user's reviews

6

JacobOct 3, 2015

The Martian is ok. The scenario of being stranded on Mars is intense and there is a real tension of how Mark will survive and get home as long as you have neither read the book nor seen the trailers, which show everything. This film is fueledThe Martian is ok. The scenario of being stranded on Mars is intense and there is a real tension of how Mark will survive and get home as long as you have neither read the book nor seen the trailers, which show everything. This film is fueled by tension and if you know the outcome that’s gone. What could make the film work though is if the characters were developed but they aren’t. Without the constant sarcastic/humorous narration from Mark Watney the film is all right. Also, gone is the science fiction element as Mark will frequently solve problems without explaining the science behind it. This is the third fall space spectacle film we’ve gotten and its starting to get tiring. When Ridley Scott saw Gravity he should’ve done what Seth did when he saw how similar We’re the Millers was to his idea for Ted 2 and scrap it. The Martian is a conventional film that may satisfy general audiences but lacks anything special. This isn’t any grand comeback for Ridley Scott and all it does is take away attention from the superior page turner book, which is rich with science fiction elements.… Expand

6 of 28 users found this helpful622

All this user's reviews

6

RaygirlOct 2, 2015

Good movie, but DEFINITELY not as good as Prometheus, Blade Runner, etc. Lots of cloying Ra Ra let's- all-rally-around "Independence Day" moments, too much emphasis on how long he can live without food (making a big deal of a few extra daysGood movie, but DEFINITELY not as good as Prometheus, Blade Runner, etc. Lots of cloying Ra Ra let's- all-rally-around "Independence Day" moments, too much emphasis on how long he can live without food (making a big deal of a few extra days when people on hunger strikes can live for months!) when water and oxygen are much more vital. Really unbelievable "fixes" using plastic and duct tape (on a blown airlock) on a planet whose temperatures and atmosphere are much more extreme than earth's. I am a Sci Fi fanatic and actually enjoyed Tom Hanks in Castaway much more than I did this movie.… Expand

2 of 12 users found this helpful210

All this user's reviews

5

MadMaxFuryRoadOct 5, 2015

The Martian is worth seeing if you really love space-science movies, but otherwise... It can wait on DVD. I was really hyped up about the film given the reviews of humor and smartness. The film really handled the jokes very well, and at timesThe Martian is worth seeing if you really love space-science movies, but otherwise... It can wait on DVD. I was really hyped up about the film given the reviews of humor and smartness. The film really handled the jokes very well, and at times could of extended to a R-Rated movie. Also, I really enjoyed the first half of the movie. But that was about it... The last part really seemed to drag until its final act, and it really disappointed me during the last half excluding the ending. The ending was great though, and I felt like if the movie had just ended at 1 hr. 31 min. like Gravity did, it would have been a lot better. However considering that, this film was much better than Interstellar, and you might like it or not. It really depends on your tolerance for really long space movies. Also, I was surprised by the amount of people in my theater:
80ish people at a 6:15 showing on Monday non-3D? Wow.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

All this user's reviews

4

BrankTheDankestOct 8, 2015

Took some pretty big liberties from it's source material if you ask me. I mean, I was expecting Bugs or Daffy to at least make a cameo appearance. Can't believe they never even referred to him as "Marvin". Other than that, it held up on it'sTook some pretty big liberties from it's source material if you ask me. I mean, I was expecting Bugs or Daffy to at least make a cameo appearance. Can't believe they never even referred to him as "Marvin". Other than that, it held up on it's own. Just not what I was expecting.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

All this user's reviews

5

zeronavigationDec 25, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I had high expectations going to this movie, but was surprised to be disappointed already 3 minutes into the beginning of this (overrated) movie. As some others did over here I'll gladly display some of my thoughts on either Pro's and Con's.

Pro's:
- Matt Damon - although his character was pretty bland in my book, Damon seems enjoyable to watch most of the times.
- Science - from the many enthusiastic friends who watched this movie, many comments were about the science behind it. "Everything's made to be just right". And I agree this takes more than just a lousy story maker, it's nice to know what boundaries a movie is limited to and why. Same principle's for the Mars landscape, which is actually placed in Jordania.

But there's really more negative points, I've experienced, watching this movie.

Con's:
- Story: the story could actually be alright , although it's badly performed. Little suspense is created by changing from different perspectives (Earth, Mars, some-where in between) so that the viewer already knows what's going on before disaster will strike. In contrary to others who watched 'The Martian', I genuinely believed Mark would die whilst making the leap for a safe return. But either way, doomed or ready to re-live, there's little on the way to an outcome that will make you consider changing thoughts. O yes, Mark's little garden explodes (although it happens within a minute after someone from Earth questions whether he will make it without any setbacks). And he overcomes them with so much ease it seems, because the next moment we're 7 months ahead and he just lost some weight but is still in perfect mental (and physical) condition. And why is it we see him eat during most of his conversations with himself/the webcam?
And what's up with all 'political' bull**** happening on Earth? This movie is supposed to be about surviving Mars, not surviving boring conversations of people in nice suits. And why is the geeky girl who 'controls' the satellites in so many of the scenes on Earth, while an eccentric kid who just thought of a excellent way to get back to Mars faster is shoved off the podium. So little is gained from 'experiencing' all the hustle on Earth, and although it's nice to see for once China is involved in all of it, what point does it prove except for a second multi trillion dollar chance to free a human from Mars.
- During his long, long stay on a deserted planet, with ravish winds keeping you from sleep and the immediate danger (as explained) when some of your little eco-system just shuts down, Mark Watney is just another heroic optimist with lack of any character development. From the beginning of the movie, where there's a (not-so) funny conversation to set the relationship between the characters, until 3 months later, they just start where they left off: with 'jokes' and all, to saturate the general public. Even on the moment of reunion, little tears are shed. I want to see more frustration and anger, more joy with little things conquered. More 'Mark Watney' screen time would be a step in the right direction. Instead of just stating he wants to go home, give him a really good reason to do so, and make him viable in our minds.

Anyway, there's plenty more from where this came from. It's just so upsetting this movie has so many errors in it to be enjoyably.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

BarnyJan 2, 2022

In light of the recent productions, this is by far the most plausible sci-fi movie produced in the past years. Deserves a 5. Still miles away from Kubrick's 2001.