One of the movie's most surprising aspects is that it's a huge barrel of laughs. Sure, the trailer had that amusing, "I'm gonna have to science the s*** out of this" line, but did anyone really expect that the film was going to be filled with fantastic comic relief? A lot of the fun is derived from Damon simply talking to his v-log and observing the insanity of the situation he's stuck in. After all, it truly is one of those scenarios where, if you didn't find the humour in it, you'd probably end up going crazy from hysteria. The comedy is extremely well-punctuated throughout the film so as not to detract too much from the overall feeling of suspense and tension, and provides light respite in-between the exciting set-pieces. For anyone who hasn't read the source material, to look at the The Martian and then be told that it's one of the funniest films of the year is a huge shock, but with its playful wit and Damon's charming delivery, it only makes the viewer even more invested in Watney's attempt to return home.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
