Bottom Line: [easyazon_link identifier=”B017S3OP34″ locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”backyardmov05-20″ cart=”n”]The Martian[/easyazon_link] is a must see. Even if you aren’t a science fiction fan this movie will capture your interest, I also think it is a great way to get kids interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and math (STEM).[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B017S3OP34″ locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”http://www.backyardmovies.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/51pSxH8tGRL.jpg” tag=”backyardmov05-20″ width=”416″]
I am super late with this review, we have had this movie for quite some time and only watched it recently. Part of the reason it took us so long to watch it, is because we wanted to finish reading [easyazon_link identifier=”0553418025″ locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”backyardmov05-20″ cart=”n”]the book[/easyazon_link] first, which was awesome, but filled with a lot of technical details that might not interest everybody.
The premise of the movie is that Matt Damon is an astronaut who is left for dead on Mars when his crew has to evacuate the planet. He has to figure out how to survive on Mars, alone, until a rescue mission can be assembled. Damon does a great job being likable and very quickly you will find yourself rooting for him to survive. The landscapes that are constructed for the film are amazing and look great on the big screen. We have the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01A7Q6E2Y” locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”backyardmov05-20″ cart=”n”]3D version[/easyazon_link]and the film really lends itself to that format. The computer generated clarity of the landscape, coupled with 3D, really gives you the sense of the sheer expansiveness of the planet.
The movie does a great job of staying fairly true to the book, it is able to show a lot of the technology that the book has to spend precious pages describing. The movie also omits explaining the science behind the technology, which the book does, almost excessively. While those who love the book will be disappointed, I think it was good editorial decision, with the end result being accessible to any audience. Plus, with a run time of 144 minutes, any more content would have bogged down the viewer experience.
Parental Concerns:
The movie is rated PG-13, there are a few F-bombs and you see Matt Damon’s naked emaciated rear end. The F-bombs are not integral to the story line, but given the movie’s plot, are understandable and are something I know I would utter if put in that position. The shot of Matt Damon’s rear is used to demonstrate the impact a constrained diet has had on his health and is very effective in doing so. I think PG-13 is an acceptable and accurate rating.
I definitely recommend this film and I think it will become a classic. Do yourself a favor and give it a watch.
[easyazon_infoblock align=”none” identifier=”B017S3OP34″ locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”backyardmov05-20″]
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale. My goal is to provide you with my personal experience with products whenever possible and I will always disclose whether or not my knowledgeable is based on the input of others.
BackyardMovies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.