The Martian

Ridley Scott is possibly the busiest 77-year-old director in Hollywood. He's made numerous masterpieces (and some flops too) and is arguably most iconic for science fiction, with Alien, Blade Runner and Prometheus. With The Martian, he returns to the genre.

The film, based on Andy Weir's novel, finds astronaut/botanist Mark Watney (Matt Damon) marooned alone on Mars where he must improvise to survive while NASA concurrently plans to rescue him.

On paper, it's classic Scott, however on closer inspection, it's refreshingly different for the seasoned director, known for cerebral, dark atmospheric worlds. The Martian feels grounded in contemporary reality with a detailed, tangible look at scientific thinking and the space program. Scott directs with confidence, and naturally there's solid set design, cinematography and effects. Surprisingly, there's much levity thanks to the entertaining script from Drew Goddard, with plenty of humour throughout (look for the Tolkien gag, particularly potent due to Sean Bean's presence).

Damon (who recently had experience as a stranded astronaut in Interstellar) is innately charismatic, making a relatable, funny everyman who sells the underlying moments of drama. The rest of the ensemble cast is bursting with talent. Singularly they are underdeveloped, but together, they effectively show the team spirit of the very talented/human NASA program.
It's Scott's best film in years. Entertaining, visually arresting and full of classic disco tunes.