In terms of pure entertainment value, there aren't many films on this list that can come close to The Martian. After several dour disappointments, Ridley Scott returned to directorial form with this tale of Matt Damon's lone astronaut who is left stranded on the surface of Mars. The script, from Drew Goddard, is packed with instantly quotable snark and Damon manages to find surprising pathos in what is broadly a comedic performance. It's the lightness of the film's tone that might lead it to struggle in gaining traction with serious-minded Oscar voters, but the presence of Scott in the director's chair could help it on the road to glory. In a year in which the field for Best Picture is wide open, there could be room for a film with a lighter tone to sneak into contention.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
