Based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Andy Weir, “The Martian” is about a Mars mission gone wrong, with Mark Watney (Matt Damon) mistakenly left for dead on Mars by his crewmates. Using his botanist skills and scientific knowledge, he must survive the harsh conditions until NASA works out a way to save him.

Despite the dramatic plot set up, “The Martian” is surprisingly funny. It’s not too serious, but it’s also not a complete comedy film. The humor and human emotions are sprinkled throughout evenly, making for an easy-to-digest experience.

Even the heady science explanations are logical and smart, especially with Mark’s video logs. He explains the process he goes through to create a life support system and how he is working  on communicating with NASA. These parts of the movie come off as a documentary of sorts, and it makes for a varied experience.

Co-stars are Jeff Daniels as Teddy Sanders, Director of NASA, Jessica Chastain as Captain Melissa Lewis amd Kristen Wiig as Annie Montrose, NASA spokesperson. The large amount of characters is the film’s only weak spot and even then, it doesn’t detract from everything else “The Martian” does right. All of the actors and actresses put forth excellent performances, and they each contributed to his or her part in the emotional finale. However, there could have been more depth to the characters.

Director Ridley Scott is a veteran when it comes to space films, and this newest achievement is another testament to his skill with sci-fi.

The landscape shots of Mars were done in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The naturally red rocks and sandy hills are very convincing as the surface of Mars. The equipment, space suits and gear are fashioned in such a familiar way that the movie doesn’t feel like it takes place in the distant future. That design aspect makes the film relatable, in a sense that this type of event seems actually possible in the future of space exploration.

“The Martian” is a very smart movie, both in plot progression, the realistic methods of survival by Mark and the tactics NASA uses to try and bring him home. That grounded, realistic factor is what’s so engaging about this movie. There is a deeply human, likable aspect here and that allows for a watchable, rewarding experience.