The Martian (2015)

Written by Brent Western on May 5, 2025

I’m sure it’s been said before but this is Castaway on Mars. And it absolutely works. I would’ve liked a little more time on Mars pre-accident, but you get to know the characters pretty well anyways.

There were sufficient twists and turns and while the movie is about 10-15 minutes too long, it still keeps you locked in. Matt Damon does more than keep your attention, he entertains and makes you actually care.

Surprisingly, the ensemble cast shines without knowing much about them on the NASA side. Wish we could’ve got to know them and their roles a bit more beyond a quick title card.