Quickie Movie Review – The Martian

The Martian is very interested in process. As such, it is more focused in making you think than in leaving you thrilled. That is not to say there is no action – there is, it is just not especially emphasized. When it comes to movies that are almost exclusively about making you think, I usually appreciate them more than I like them. But The Martian really makes you think. The plight of Mark Watney (a fully engaged Matt Damon) – stranded on Mars with any hope of rescue years away – is one that requires the full commitment of all his mental faculties. The detailed presentation of how he gives himself a fighting chance is endlessly inspirational. Not everyone will have to plant a makeshift potato farm at some point in their lives, but everyone will almost certainly have to face situations when a lot has to be made out of a little. Thus, humanity is better off because of the example set by The Martian.

Jeff Malone is a voracious entertainment consumer and entertainment creator. He currently resides in New York City, where he received his Master’s in Media Studies at The New School. In addition to his pieces on TMRzoo.com and StarPulse.com, you can check out his blog (jmunney.wordpress.com), where he provides regular coverage of Community and Saturday Night Live, as well as other television, film, music, and the rest of pop culture.