Following an impressive marketing campaign the question was could The Martian live up to the expectations it had built up?

The simple answer…yes!

Matt Damon excels in the role of Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars when his crew are forced to evacuate during a storm.

It is always risky making a film, where the majority of screen time features just one character, but Ridley Scott demonstrates his vast abilities, deftly walking the line between holding the audience on the edge of their seats and losing them entirely.

Scott knows when to stay with Watney, allowing the full impact of the loneliness and isolation to be felt.

He also knows when to move away.

The scenes in NASA are interesting and engaging as some of the world’s greatest scientists attempt to to overcome the odds and save Watney.

These scenes coupled with both Watney on Mars and the crew on their return journey, ask the big questions including is one man’s life worth more than many others?

Jeff Daniels and Sean Bean play off each perfectly, as they stand on opposite sides of the argument but understand the others point of view and difficult position.

Damon is without a doubt the star of the piece, clearly enjoying the challenges of the playing Watney.

He is ably supported by a strong supporting cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.  While Kristen Wig role highlights her serious acting ability, not simply her comedic value.

The Martian is an accomplished science fiction film, that isn’t afraid to take its audience on a rollercoaster of human emotions moving from humour, anger, sadness and joy, often in the space of a single scene.

It is this coupled with its understated and realistic nature that sets it apart from other big name science fiction films, serving as a reminder that special effects alone don’t carry a film, no matter how impressive they may be.

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