eevBLAB#15 - The Martian Movie Review

Dave reviews the movie The Martian, based on the Andy Weir novel of the same name.
SPOILER ALERT: May contain spoilers of some form.

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[RFC]

There's no reason to use "air quotes" around "science fiction". This is _exactly_ what science fiction is. Science fiction doesn't mean "fictitious science". It means fiction (i.e., a story that hasn't actually happened) that revolves around science, technological innovations, and the social consequences resulting from them.

If something is based on "impossible science" (i.e., supernatural stuff) it's not science fiction, it's fantasy (although some people will automatically call it "science fiction" if it's in space, which is kind of silly).

[arhaisme]

best advice for people wanting to watch the movie: read the book. the movie is good, but the book is insanely good.

[FerroNeoBoron]

Not a movie but an anime, "Space Brothers" is pretty good. It's got a pretty heavy comedic bent with quirky characters but I think they capture the characteristic essence of people in STEM fields.

[xjet]

So does this mean that the MPAA now "owns" science and if we try it on our own without paying them a stipend we'll get a DMCA takedown notice or sued? :-)

[shanweeboy]

Wait...Dave. You mean to tell me...there was actual science making in a hollywood blockbuster movie? The place that didn't know that you apply retrograde trust to de-orbit a craft? The place that thought the ISS and the Hubble telescope exist on intercept orbits? The place that thought a tessaract inside a black hole that allowed some fool to transcend time with the power of love, was possible without getting killed trying to enter it?

[MattExzy]

'Matt Damon'... I still say it in the Team America term of phrase in my mind whenever I read or hear his name.

[aureypullen]

The Audiobook version read by R.C.Bray is fantastic, if you want to read the book and do other things at the same time.

[DjVortex-w]

Oddly enough, there's a 2001 film named "Stranded" which is about, you guessed it, some astronauts getting stranded on Mars. I thought it was quite enjoyable back then.

[peteb]

Thanks Dave you've sorted my weekend and i just now bought the Kindle version for my iPad of Weir's novel with play audible (because i can be a bit lazy reading anything other than technical manuals)....probably stay awake all night listing to it!

[sylphid]

definitely check out "primer" it is a fantastic film about time travel from an engineering perspective

[ZsoltNemeth_]

Booked the tickets as soon as we could and going to watch it tomorrow! Thanks Dave for the review you just made me more impatient to see it :)

[winstonsmith]

Dust storms on Mars - 1% Earth air density, maximum wind speed of 60 MPH = "You would probably feel a breeze, but it wouldn't be knocking you over, " said Michael Smith, who works at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

[variogenesis]

I haven't watched the film yet, but with your description, the first that came in my mind was Arthur Clarke's "A Fall of Moondust". It's old but i remember had alot of science, engineer and technical staff.
It was also a surving story, about a group of people after a shipwreck on moon. Yes, a shipwreck on moon, long story...

[larryrussell]

Dave, your earlier review of the trailer encouraged me to read the book and go see the movie. Thanks.

[gavinandrews]

Saw this film today. The family wanted the 3D version and I was happily surprised (normally 3D makes things harder to watch) with the landscapes really working well in 3D. I had listened to the audiobook prior to seeing the movie (started listening after seeing the EEVblog review) but enjoyed the movie all the same even though it was a bit thinned out.
Great movie! Thanks for the recommendation!

[Klodvig]

There's a great short story called "A Walk in the Sun" by Geoffrey A. Landis. Kinda like The Martian, but in a smaller scale and not quite as science-ey. Check it out.

[GeorgeGraves]

Nope, nope and more nope - no spoilers for me (even though I read the book!)

[RazgrizAlphaONE]

Haven't seen it yet, but I'll throw in some good science-ad movies:

1. October Sky - Story of a kid's interest in rocketry during the 50's.

2. Europa Report - Similar to the Martian I think, but different production style. Astronauts stranded on Europa.

[ilikebaud]

Thanks for the reminder to go to the theater and watch this movie! Back to the future was MY inspiration as a kid!

[hughieandrolf]

Love the EEVblog!. I also like that you have added a SciFi movie as one of your "Product" reviews. 2TsU! Unfortunately, watching the Vblog was a bit like playing Russian roulette. How long dare I watch before I know too much storyline prior to seeing the film myself. I bottled out 1:40. Is there a bullet in a chamber? if so, what's the time mark? I didn't notice the spoiler alert until I realised that maybe I should have looked for one first....