The Martian Review - 3½ Stars

Matt Damon shines as an astronaut left behind who survives thanks to good old-fashioned can do values.  “The Martian” combines great acting and writing with excellent special effects and an optimistic feel often missing from mainstream movies. As the story begins Damon works with a crew on a mission to Mars.  His crew believes Damon has died in a violent storm and takes off without him.  We, of course, know that Matt has survived and as the story progresses we watch his evenhanded calm efforts to continue surviving.  The mix of earth efforts, his crew efforts, and Damon’s work keeps our interest.  The great cast includes Jessica Chastain as the commander who unknowingly leaves Damon behind, and Jeff Daniels as NASA head.  I think “The Martian” fills a need for a big screen blockbuster that sends viewers out of the theater feeling good.  We need that.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Optimistic can do story set in space.  Is it entertaining?  We cheer Matt Damon on as he endures.  Is it worth the price of admission?  One of the year’s must see movies.