The book “The Martian” skyrocketed in popularity so greatly after its publication in February 2014 that filming for the movie began later that same year. The story, written by Andy Weir, is about an astronaut who is accidentally deserted on Mars and has to undergo a series of disastrous turn of events in order to survive the barren planet returning to earth.

The movie kicks off with a group of astronauts aborting their mission on Mars due to a severe storm. Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, is left stranded on the planet after his crew presumes him dead when his suit is punctured during the storm. He then must figure out how to survive for four more years until another spacecraft can reach him with an amount of food that is only supposed to last him for less than a year.

With a plenty of mind blowing effects, director Ridley Scott did an amazing job filming 20th century’s adaption of “The Martian.” Script writer, Drew Goddard, also did a fantastic job giving Mark’s character just enough sarcastic humor. The build up of his role was also well done as viewers watch him cycle through low to high over and over until the whirlwind of emotion is drawn to a close.

After watching one of the most engaging blockbusters I’ve seen this year, I would reward this movie with 5 stars as it captured my attention from beginning to end while also following the original storyline of the novel.