The Martian: 10 Reasons Why It's Better Than Interstellar

9. It Lacks Endless Exposition

So much of Jonathan and Christopher Nolan's screenplay for their 2014 odyssey is controlled by pointless exposition dialogue. In fact, it has scenes that can run in excess of ten minutes without a character actually offering prose of any coherence or particular relevance. Sure, the research behind the film is towering in its detail (although a number of scientists at NASA and various universities have claimed much of the 'facts' are actually false), but it sacrifices essential emotional development for the sake of buzzwords. It is ironic that Interstellar is at its smartest and sincerest when stationed back on Earth prior to the wormhole exploration. The connectivity between Cooper and young Murph (Mackenzie Foy) feels like the most authentic and densely nurtured aspect of the entire project. Meanwhile Scott's latest has its cake and eats it too; The Martian understands the importance of character-building, and delivers such in spades, but it beautifully balances the factoids and formalities, which in turns leads the spectator into a sense of security. Being both a sprawling and riotously entertaining blockbuster and indeed a technical, intellectual affair is a rare achievement.