NASA propaganda done right

The Martian is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. I read the thing in 18 hours. Fact. Ridley Scott directs the film adaptation of the book. Do I even need to write a review?

A small note, but an important one because it speaks to the quality of the film. I saw this movie in 3D, and I forgot that it was 3D until after the movie was over. There were no needless 3D action sequences. The 3D was a seamless part of the movie. Bravo. As far as the acting? All top notch. Matt Damon delivers. Jessica Chastain is great. Michael Peña is severely underrated in Hollywood. Why isn't he in more movies? He has 72 acting credits. Maybe I'm not watching enough of his stuff. Chiwetel Ejiofor is awesome. Sean Bean! Jeff Daniels! Okay, now I'm just listing people in the movie. Kate Mara. I'm done.

This review is light on analysis. Why? Because it can be. This movie is damn near perfect, and all I need to say is go see it.

9/10, I should just give this 10/10. Actually this is 10/10.

I have more in common with The Fifth Element than I do with The Matrix

The Wachowskis' most recent movie Jupiter Ascending is over the top in both a bad and good way. The movie is not great, but it is worth seeing. Wired has an excellent article on why you should see Jupiter Ascending, even if the movie is a bit silly.

Jupiter Ascending is gorgeous and breathtakingly absurd. The Wachowskis created a world worthy of their pedigree. As the Wired article linked to above mentions Jupiter Ascending borrows from a great many sci-fi movies including the Matrix series which established The Wachowskis as having a unique voice in Hollywood. This movie is about fun, science fiction, love, and sitting back and accepting a ridiculous plot. I allude to the fact that Jupiter Ascending has more to do with The Fifth Element than the Matrix and that is because like the indulgences of The Fifth Element, Jupiter Ascending doesn't take itself too seriously.

The actor's performances are passable, but nothing special. Channing Tatum can do no wrong these days. Mila Kunis is, well Mila Kunis. Eddie Redmayne is delightfully unhinged. I haven't seen anything before with Douglas Booth, but he was a welcome addition to the cast. The same can be said for Tuppence Middleton. That is one heck of a name, Tuppence. Huge spoiler alert. Sean Bean is in this movie. He doesn't die.

Is this a "good movie?" What does that even mean? If you go in with an open mind and low expectations you will enjoy this movie. Enjoy the visuals if nothing else. I give it 7/10. 6/10 if I am feeling overly critical.