- Sensibility: The nature of the rescue mission organization, the execution (particularly the air lock bomb and "iron man" flying), and the post-rescue status of all the characters are far fetched to the point of nonsense.
- Cinematography: The films visuals are its highlight. Great production design and costuming give the film the feel it needs to really capture living on Mars. However, the Hermes ship, particularly the rotating living spaces, are derivative of 2001 and not in a subtle way. Lighting is solid, but the framing choices are fairly lackluster, and music and sound design, although incorporated into the plot, are largely forgettable. The technology involved, particularly the chatting interfaces are dramatically over simplified to a loathesome level.
- Energy: The films constant push for comedic effect takes away from the immersion. The film also stays away largely from the large questions of life and death that would give the film higher stakes and make the viewing experience more meaningful.
- Narrative: The premise of being abandoned on another planet is very strong. Certain elements of the story, like growing food and the technological elements of extending the lifespan are extremely interesting and worthwhile. However, the film tries way too hard to be funny, with slapstick bits from astrodynamics engineer to nonstop jokes about the long shot odds the team is facing. The film largely refuses to have any of the characters address the severity of their choices, instead automating the sense of duty and sacrifice amongst the crew and engineering team without giving honest weight to consequences or feasability.
- T-Points: The film received two bonus points: one for a gruesome self-surgery and one for great bit of focus on the details of growing food on Mars and rationing.
Saw this film as a kid and portions of it are striking and have resonance. However, there are so, so many better space-travel/Sci-Fi films out there to enjoy. Save your time and skip this one.
Number of Watches: 2
