The
'Not-So-Critical' Critic:
on
THE MARTIAN (2015, 141 minutes, PG-13)
The
Quick of It -
Thankfully,
this was no GRAVITY. What I mean to
say, the movie does not hinge on life-threatening situations that are drawn out
to the fullest to tell a story. The
tension is there but the plot embraces the idea of overcoming adversity. THE MARTIAN is a great watch as a theatre
viewing and highly recommended for those that enjoy this style of film...
but...
SPOILERS
TO FOLLOW!!!
What
I did have a problem with is writer Andy Weir painting himself into a
corner. This wasn't a deal breaker but
I knew the only outcome for the story that would be acceptable. I realized it at the start when they are
discussing options - No one can die. If
someone were to die, the whole concept of having a successful conclusion (which
is the way the story was designed), there can be no loss of life for it to end
appropriately. Now Ridley Scott (if you
need me to tell you a brief filmography for this man, just quit watching movies
and go read a book, like.... 'The
Martian') shot a great film. The
impressive cinematography and elaborate sets put you on Mars. Matt Damon endears you to our stranded
astronaut. He gives you plenty of
laughs while pulling you into his precarious dilemma. And the supporting cast that consisted of the people on earth
(yes, excluding the team in space who were left not fully developed, they
seemed more like a vehicle to an end) made this film. Their interaction, their conflict, and their emotional contributions
almost gave the film a sense of 'based on a true story'. I found that quite refreshing for a film
with so many personalities.
I
just can't wait for Scott to get working on his next projects!!!! And if I have to tell you those... just go
live in a barren wasteland already... say Mars, for instance.
Grade:
B
No comments:
Post a Comment