Weir's novel, of which I've read a small portion, has been notable as being one of the most scientifically accurate science fiction novels to date, as he consulted with numerous scientists in the course of writing the book (including employees of NASA) to make sure that all the problems and solutions presented in the book were scientifically plausible with modern technology. This adherence to reality spins storytelling gold in the novel, and it translates even more effectively on to the screen. The one-after-another obstacles and solutions that both Watney and the various teams of people back on Earth face threaten to seem as arbitrary story-pushers like in Gravity, but luckily, the fact that every plot point is about the problem-solving works very well here, and I'll get into why in a bit.
Ridley Scott is known primarily for directing the sci-fi/horror classic Alien, and while I do think this film is on track to become a sci-fi classic in the future, it is numerous degrees more fun than much of Scott's previous work. The dialogue is frequently funny, and the characters are all sarcastic and snarky without it ever feeling forced. Solving ridiculous problems involving precise calculations to predict how to make something explode in a way that it will be moved at the correct speed is their job, and they handle their job like anyone else does - with knowledge of their craft and its consequences, but also with some humor and believable human emotion on both ends of the spectrum.
The perfect embodiment of this is Matt Damon in one of his best performances in years. Screenwriters and actors should take note - this is how you make a funny, confident, likable protagonist to carry your movie. Watney is optimistic and frequently very humorous about his situation, but understands the weight of it as well. The best thing about him is that, while we do get glimpses of him seemingly about to break, he sees these horrible scenarios as opportunities to solve another problem.
The Earth-dwelling and space-exploring cast is similarly brilliant. Jeff Daniels turns what could've been a very one-note performance as the concerned but stern president of NASA into a believable, living, breathing character. Chiwetel Ejiofor is, in my opinion, the stand-out of the supporting cast, with his dialogue evenly split between carefully crafted and fluidly written scientific exposition and some genuinely funny quips. And finally, Jessica Chastain, who is turning out to be one of my favorite actresses working right now, and the whole Ares crew sell, without ever interacting with Watney, their relationship with him and their love and respect for him as a coworker and a friend.
That is perhaps the film's greatest achievement. It manages to perfectly balance scientific accuracy with genuinely engrossing and affecting drama and lots of high-spirited humor in the midst of some remarkably grim scenarios. The film manages to sell the dire nature of Watney's circumstances while also perfectly encapsulating his optimism and loose personality. The screenplay is very tightly wound, and Damon plays his role exceptionally well. Perhaps my only major gripe with the movie is a time toward the close of the second act and into the beginning of the third where the film focuses almost entirely on the workings of NASA and Watney is left almost completely out of the equation. The pacing was rock-solid up to that point, so it was jarring to see almost none of Matt Damon for a good half hour of the movie. But, honestly, in the wake of the many things this movie gets right, this is a minor complaint.
And, of course, on top of all this, the film is gorgeous to look at. The science-y setpieces and vast Martian landscape are breathtaking, and the sheer amount of detail is shown concisely with some very sharp, charismatic editing and beautiful cinematography by Dariusz Wolski. It sounds amazing too. I'd recommend seeing it in an IMAX theater if you can to let the sounds of Mars completely envelop you. The little tinks and clanks of Watney working away and the thundering blasts of rocket ships give a sensory edge to the film's firm lock in scientific reality. It also sports a fairly good soundtrack, with a great collection of 70's disco music and a delightful score by Harry Gregson-Williams.This is sort of just icing on the cake, but I also noticed that this movie, much like what I got from the book, is very pro-space exploration. I actually think that if this movie is as big a hit as it deserves to be, it could turn a lot of people on to space exploration - and, of course, it's nice that it was released in very close proximity to NASA announcing the discovery of flowing water on Mars. This movie has time and again been compared to Gravity, as they both deal primarily with a "survival in space" storyline, but the problems that Ryan Stone faces one after the other in Gravity felt more like very nice coincidences that worked in her favor, as the film focused more on the endeavor of getting home. The Martian, on the other hand, brilliantly makes it about the importance of calmly tackling problems, and asserts that that's what science is all about. It's wonderful how a movie with a plot so fraught with dire obstacles can sell the weight of its conflict so effectively while also overflowing with optimism. It's refreshing, really.
Overall, The Martian is a modern sci-fi classic that is scientifically accurate, suitably engaging and detailed, and surprisingly very funny (funnier than any comedy I've seen this year, honestly), and features some breathtaking visuals, a smartly written screenplay, a good balance of fun and suspense, a joyously pro-science theme, and a host of great performances from its large cast, most notably from Matt Damon. I recommend it highly.
Grade: A
