The Martian: Ridley Scott presents one thoroughly exciting and entertaining film. The story, in broad strokes, has been told before; the particulars, however, make this an interesting sit. The cast is top-to-bottom attractive, but it is Matt Damon, as the (so to say) title character, that dominates. He projects intelligence, self-deprecation and common-man vulnerability with great allure, making it that much easier to relate to the character. The cast is doubly important, since the dialogue is tech-heavy (which, on its own right, grounds the film in reality). Very well-made technically: set design, special effects are both flawless.