Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by free.ranger (A) on October 05, 2015 at 22:14:42

In Reply to: RE: 'The Martian': Science and Duck Tape posted by Billy Wonka on October 02, 2015 at 13:54:58

Its predictable overall, but you won't really be able to know that until its over. Some cliffhangers are along the way. The devil is in the details with this one. The scenes and action seem set up specifically for a blowout 3D effect, so I advise seeking out that opportunity if you can. My view was in 2D.

The overall tone of this flick is upbeat on several fronts. First, it is a rescue op, so that speaks for the humanity of it all, even though there is an attempt to squelch that by the NASA director (Jeff Daniels). You are always aware that forces are still with us that don't want altruism to win the day. The bean counters and politicians don't win this one. Second, the story develops a cooperative joining of cultures that helps guarantee success. This goes against any current climate between the US and China. In this film, partnering rules against competition. Third, Damon carries this film in lightness, showing that even the gravest situations can be met with optimism and pragmatism, instead of despair.

All that said, this film borrows heavily (maybe even plagiarizes) from the two more recent Mars films that came out in 2000 -- Mission to Mars, and The Red Planet. The first starred Gary Sinise and Tim Robbins. Robbins was a guy who also needed rescuing via a tethered space walk. It was a major piece of the film action. The Red Planet starred Val Kilmer as a guy stranded on Mars during an exploratory mission -- and -- who got off the surface by jury-rigging an old lander from a previous mission! Same damn story, really; different in details only. Amazingly close in overall story scope. I have to wonder about that.