Tuesday Thoughts – The Martian

Okay I’ll admit it. I was skeptical about this movie. Finally, a friend of mine, Paula, raved about it. She convinced me to see it but alas the moving madness had begun. So it had to wait. Then no streaming of Netflix. Again waiting until we got the DVD to Tennessee then on Red Box rental we finally got to see it. Yes, it was worth the wait.

There is more to the story than a man trapped on Mars. It’s there giving us the traditional man vs elements story with the twist it’s Martian elements not Earth’s. The other parts of the story are big business maneuvering to keep funding. The crew pondering the cost of many for the price of one and their responsibility in leaving him behind. All these stories interplay upon each other what one decides makes a new twist in the other two.
There is an action flick aspect of the story too that at times keeps you on the edge of your seat. His MacGyver maneuvers to live on Mars, manners used to communicate with him, and the rescue efforts for him. These work well to build the tension and frustration with the situation.
The movie is an excellent adaption of the book. The tension, story, and action are well balanced to keep you wondering that if, just if will this break the Hollywood rule of happy endings? The ending is one that is satisfying and life confirming. If you were like me and didn’t see this one right off, it’s well worth the effort to look it and watch.