Topic: 20th Century Fox "The Martian" (Ridley Scott film)
cfreeze79 Member
Posts: 455 From: Herndon, VA, USA Registered: Nov 2000
posted 09-22-2015 12:50 AM
Got a press screening of "The Martian" in San Francisco this evening... Here's my review:
Solid plot that moved at a good pace, and respected the original book very well. The visuals were pleasant, but not up to par with other contemporaries in the "reality space" genre - the movie made Mars look like the drier, rocky parts of Southern California, but filmed thru a red lens. :-/
The cast was... well... okay (Spoiler Alert: Sean Bean's character does NOT die), and Matt Damon was good in the role, revamping the appropriate glib found in early #NASA astronauts (channeling the spirit of Wally Schirra, no doubt!), carrying the film. The movie borrowed from previous flicks - "Red Planet" came immediately to mind, with a WALL-E chaser - but did give them a slight nerdy twist to appease the script's science adviser. The soundtrack, however, was a character onto itself and was the surprise running joke/hero of the film. So, all in all, it was good and worthwhile. Viewing in 3D is not required for max enjoyment, but a theatre with a respectable sound system is a must. Enjoy!!!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-22-2015 12:03 PM
New Ares Live video, "Bring Him Home":
posted 09-23-2015 07:21 AM
I will definitely see it but it amazes me how people get more excited about a film than they would if we were really going to Mars.
xlsteve Member
Posts: 391 From: Holbrook MA, USA Registered: Jul 2008
posted 09-23-2015 07:48 AM
I hear what you're saying. I take heart that this movie will (hopefully) cause people to visualize going to Mars as something can be achieved in real life. What is now science fact often started as science fiction.
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1211 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 09-23-2015 09:25 AM
quote:Originally posted by Fra Mauro: I will definitely see it but it amazes me how people get more excited about a film than they would if we were really going to Mars.
I am afraid that this is as close as a human will get to Mars in my lifetime. The real thing would be far more exciting to me than a reel thing.
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 09-28-2015 12:07 PM
NASA's press releases regarding water on Mars is added publicity for the film release. Great timing.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-28-2015 03:03 PM
Mark Watney's Mars announcement:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-30-2015 12:16 PM
Q&A from space with NASA astronauts Scott Kelly, Kjell Lindgren, and the cast of "The Martian":
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1211 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 09-30-2015 10:48 PM
My Under Armour shirt arrived today, just in time to wear it this weekend to the movies!
Any word on other merchandise? Patches, toys models?? Potato plants?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
It may seem strange at first, but by the time you get done watching "The Martian," the new movie from director Ridley Scott opening in theaters Friday (Oct. 2), you will understand why 20th Century Fox is offering to send you a potato.
Or, if you prefer, have a potato sent to a friend.
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1211 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 10-01-2015 11:08 AM
I was thinking more like a package of seeds, not a spud alone. But the stamp is cool.
stsmithva Member
Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 10-01-2015 05:35 PM
The promo code MARTIAN, making this totally free, was still good when I got mine a bit ago.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-02-2015 12:35 PM
All of the free potatoes are now claimed.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
A historic NASA spacecraft makes more than just a cameo appearance in "The Martian," the new Ridley Scott movie about an astronaut stranded on Mars.
The 20th Century Fox film, which opened in U.S. theaters on Friday (Oct. 2), follows NASA's third crewed mission to land on the Red Planet in 2035. By the movie's timeline, Ares 3 crew member Mark Watney (Matt Damon) walks on Mars 23 years after the space agency's most recent real-life "martian," the robotic rover Curiosity, arrived to search for environments habitable to supporting past and present life.
But it's not Curiosity that is in "The Martian."
(Spoiler alert: this article contains plot details from the movie.)
GoesTo11 Member
Posts: 1309 From: Denver, CO Registered: Jun 2004
posted 10-02-2015 01:54 PM
quote:Originally posted by Ronpur: Any word on other merchandise?
I picked up a couple of patches on eBay that look pretty screen-accurate. Made good use of one for fall weather... and the movie this weekend.
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1211 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 10-03-2015 10:13 AM
Is this the 2" one I see everywhere on a backer card? What is the source of these? Theaters?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-03-2015 11:03 AM
The 2" patch does appear to be a theater giveaway, though its not clear from what theater chain (if it is chain specific). The eBay sellers are spread across the country (I saw Delaware, Minnesota, Arizona and California at quick glance).
Update: Some of the packages identify Cinemark as at least one of the theater chains giving away the patches.
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-03-2015 11:56 AM
Flickering Myth is also holding a giveaway of some neat "The Martian" swag, open to UK readers only through Oct. 11:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-03-2015 02:00 PM
There is now an official game for iOS, Android, Apple Watch and Android Wear:
Kite Member
Posts: 831 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 10-03-2015 04:33 PM
Watched 'The Martian' last night with my wife and two of my grandchildren. We all thoroughly enjoyed it in 3D. I was the only one of us who had read the book, which I thought was brilliant, but they seemed to follow it ok as all was explained very well. Matt Damon was an ideal choice as Mark Watney.
Glad the story did not divert from the book much, as many films do, and I think the whole production was impressive. They left a couple of incidents out but understandable because at two hours twenty minutes it was long enough for most people. Amazing to me is how quickly the film was produced as the original private release of the book was only two years ago and publicly last year.
Highly recommended even for those who do not follow space as a really good film.
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 10-03-2015 06:02 PM
Kite's comments above are spot on. I was the only person in my group who had read the book as well.
They didn't really get into the astronauts very much other than the main character but there's no way that book could have been made into a normal-length movie and cover everything.
Had to snicker at the footage of the EFT-1 launch standing on for something totally different and the movie's depiction of JSC at Houston in the near future, but all in all they did a great job.
JPSastro Member
Posts: 170 From: Tucson, Arizona Registered: Jan 2009
posted 10-03-2015 06:27 PM
Went to the Friday at the Cinemark/ElCon theater here in Tucson. And there were NO giveaways at this theater.
Having read the book two times I thought the movie was very well done and definitely worth seeing and I really liked the ending.
Some of the things I learned from people around me. The ISS really looked good going to Mars. A few thought it real strange they NEVER showed The Martian. Why did Watney pull a bullet out of his wound. Lady in front of me was quite vocal to her male partner wanting to leave since she wasn't prepared for this type of movie. He stayed, she left.
Movie will be in my library when released on Blu ray. Highly recommend seeing it on the big screen.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-03-2015 07:00 PM
quote:Originally posted by p51: Had to snicker at the footage of the EFT-1 launch standing on for something totally different...
Considering a recent NASA-funded study recommended using commercial launch vehicles like Delta IV Heavy (or Falcon Heavy or Vulcan) to launch crew modules to ships like the Hermes, it might not be so far off.
That scene also contains an easter egg of sorts: EFT-1 launched carrying a sketch that Ridley Scott made of Mark Watney, which the director drew on the cover page of the movie's script.
The EFT-1 footage, by the way, was shot by "The Martian" production team, who were at the Cape for the launch.
Speaking of launches though, the film uses an Atlas V launch from Vandenberg to represent the Long March from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-03-2015 07:03 PM
quote:Originally posted by JPSastro: And there were NO giveaways at this theater.
I went to our local Cinemark to see the film again this afternoon. I inquired about the patches: at least in Houston, they are by request only at the Guest Services desk, require purchase of a ticket to see "The Martian" in XD and are limited to one per person.
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 10-03-2015 07:24 PM
Saw the movie last night with my wife and three other couples. Everyone really enjoyed it. The theater was about 3/4 full and the viewer reactions seemed to be all positive. I thought the script and the cast and the direction were all top notch. It ranks as one of the best SF films ever, in my opinion. Very true to the excellent novel.
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1211 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 10-03-2015 10:43 PM
One per person, but yet someone had 25 for auction. Nearest Cinemark to me is 20 miles. I have also seen sets from costume stores on eBay with 4 patches, including a NASA patch, US Flag, name patch for Whatney or Lewis and the Ares III patch.
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1211 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 10-04-2015 02:12 PM
I just returned from my first time seeing The Martian. I am sure I will go again, when it isn't so crowded. The 10:45 show was sold out.
I really enjoyed the movie, it had enough of the book to make me very happy. The added scenes worked perfectly. And I enjoyed the EFT-1 launch. Just the right mix of humor and drama for me. And the visuals were amazing in 2D, both on Mars and space. And JSC looked really nice in the future, LOL.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-04-2015 04:15 PM
"The Martian" took in $55 million this weekend, nearly surpassing "Gravity" as the highest-grossing October debut in history, Variety reports.
Going into the weekend, most analysts expected the film would do $45 million worth of business. Its numbers fall just short of "Gravity's" $55.8 million debut, but there were a number of factors that prevented "The Martian" from toppling that picture in the record books. "Gravity" had the benefit of several Imax locations, which were being held exclusively for Sony's "The Walk," depriving "The Martian" of some healthy surcharges. It did get a nice boost in 3D screenings, which accounted for 46% of receipts, and premium large formats, which made up 11% of the total.
Silent Sea Member
Posts: 36 From: Registered: Mar 2015
posted 10-04-2015 05:40 PM
I expected the movie to be great and it was. I haven't read the book in awhile, but I think they adapted it well for the screen and the cast all did so well. I appreciated the "steely eyed missile man" bit in addition to seeing all the actual flight patches on the wall of mission control. Might have to do a pause and zoom when it comes out on DVD to see what other ones they have up there!
(This probably is going to make me sound dorky, but I'm glad they toned down the language from the book some. I don't think it took anything away from the movie at all, really.)
Chariot412 Member
Posts: 156 From: Lockport, NY, 14094 Registered: Jun 2011
posted 10-04-2015 08:41 PM
quote:Originally posted by Silent Sea: This probably is going to make me sound dorky, but I'm glad they toned down the language from the book some.
That doesn't sound dorky at all. When I read The Martian, the language really made it seem silly. Other than that, great book! In addition, I'm hoping this movie helps inspire people of all ages, so your comment is doubly valid.
Ronpur Member
Posts: 1211 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
posted 10-06-2015 09:07 PM
I got a hold of a couple of those patches from Cinemark today. I knew they were small, but wow, they are tiny. 2 inches is a small patch, but they do look great.
Silent Sea Member
Posts: 36 From: Registered: Mar 2015
posted 10-08-2015 07:38 AM
quote:Originally posted by Chariot412: In addition, I'm hoping this movie helps inspire people of all ages, so your comment is doubly valid.
I didn't even think of that second way, and it's a good way to look at it.
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 10-08-2015 06:07 PM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: Speaking of launches though, the film uses an Atlas V launch from Vandenberg to represent the Long March from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Yeah, I recognized the area around that launch as well.
quote:Originally posted by Silent Sea: (This probably is going to make me sound dorky, but I'm glad they toned down the language from the book some. I don't think it took anything away from the movie at all, really.)
Not dorky at all. I know some NASA office types at JSC and frankly, I think the book had far more cursing in those offices than you'd find at those pay grades in real life anyway.
I thought the cursing was about right for the scenarios in the film.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-08-2015 06:08 PM
A deleted scene from "The Martian":
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-09-2015 09:45 AM
Amazon has the exclusive on two CD versions of the film's soundtrack:
'Songs From The Martian' is the companion soundtrack to the film The Martian, the action adventure directed by Ridley Scott, starring Matt Damon in the lead role as Astronaut Mark Watney.
The '70s-laden album is comprised of some of the greatest classics from disco's golden era (tracklist below) including "Turn The Beat Around" (Vickie Sue Robinson), "Hot Stuff" (Donna Summer), "Rock The Boat" (Hues Corporation), "Waterloo" (ABBA), and "I Will Survive"(Gloria Gaynor), and others.
The Martian Deluxe Soundtrack is compiled of both 'Songs From The Martian' and 'The Martian: Original Motion Picture Score'.
'The Martian: Original Motion Picture Score' is composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (The Shrek Franchise, X- Men Origins, Man On Fire, The Chronicles Of Narnia). Gregson-Williams also previously scored director Ridley Scott's 2005 movie 'Kingdom Of Heaven.'
"Songs from The Martian" is available now; the deluxe soundtrack will be released on Nov. 6.
Digital download (mp3) versions of "Songs from The Martian" and "The Martian: Original Motion Picture Score" are also available from Amazon and iTunes.
Dave_Johnson Member
Posts: 106 From: Registered: Feb 2014
posted 10-09-2015 11:38 PM
Received my potato today (Friday). The stamp was intact with a bit of wear, but was in better shape than I feared it would be considering the amount of handling the potato would be subject to.
Joel Katzowitz Member
Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 10-10-2015 11:57 AM
A friend sent me one which I received yesterday. I had no idea what it was until I checked in here for the story. My stamp wasn't canceled and the potato looks good enough to eat.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-10-2015 12:11 PM
quote:Originally posted by Joel Katzowitz: ...and the potato looks good enough to eat.
Just for the record and the safety of our community, Mail A Spud advises:
We do not recommend you consume the potato after it has traveled across the country inside of trucks, planes, and postal service bags. It has touched a lot of germs by the time it arrives to the recipient.
Joel Katzowitz Member
Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 10-10-2015 07:40 PM
Haha, I said it "looks good enough to eat" not that I was actually planning to consume it. But thanks for the heads up Robert.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-10-2015 08:24 PM
quote:Originally posted by Joel Katzowitz: ...not that I was actually planning to consume it.
You know, better safe than sorry.
My own potato arrived today — in fine condition as well — but inside a plastic bag provided by the USPS with a note apologizing for the damage to my mail.
posted 09-22-2015 12:50 AM
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