Houston, We Have Another Problem... "The Martian"

The Martian (2015)

Rated PG-13

Starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean, Michael Pena, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover,

Directed by Ridley Scott

The Story:

During the latest manned mission to Mars, a violent storm forces an early evacuation by the crew. During the storm, Astronaut Mark Watney (Damon) is struck by debris and assumed dead when the captain (Chastain) is unable to locate him. They leave the planet and head home to Earth. However, Mark's death is slightly exaggerated and he recovers and finds himself alone on Mars. He must find a way to survive, make contact with NASA, and wait and hope for his eventual rescue with the next planned return to Mars in a few years!

The fun part about coming to review these movies so late in the game is that much of the furor has died down. "Greatest movie ever!" "It sucked!" All those varying opinions are out there, and I just brush them aside and figure out if I liked the movie or not. 

And I quite enjoyed it!

I will mention that this one is nearly 2 1/2 hours long, but it's one where it doesn't feel like it, so that's always a plus.

If you're going for distance, make that time spent on the movie an enjoyable one.

Ridley Scott directs a stellar (no pun intended) cast who all provide outstanding support to Damon.

Damon, however, does the bulk of the heavy lifting as he has to be the center of the movie, acting and reacting to dire situations as they arise during his stay on Mars.

That said, though this is essentially a drama, there is enough humor and levity both on Earth and Mars, that you keep smiling and laughing even as you're on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next and will they get to him in time.

Because quite frankly, if they don't rescue Watley, you're going to feel angry and upset when the film is over.

But, at least you know they tried.

It's quite the enjoyable ride, and if you haven't seen it yet, you're likely in for a great experience when you get around to watching it.

Or, you'll hate it.

:)

Final Grade:  B+

I Want To Attend Greendale "Community" College!!

Community (2009)

TV PG

Starring Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Glover, Jim Rash, Ken Jeong, Chevy Chase

The Story:

Disbarred lawyer Jeff Winger (McHale) heads back to Greendale Community College when it is discovered that he lied about having a degree. While he's taking Spanish, he wants to hit on a fellow classmate, Britta (Jacobs). To do that, he makes up a fake study group to get to spend more time with her. However, Abed (Pudi) think Jeff really wants to start a study group and invites the rest of the gang along.

This is their story!

So this was a show I had wanted to watch when it came on, but usually I don't have time weekly for a television show, so this one passed me by.

Then the kids started watching it online, and were always laughing.

So in December, they bought Season 2 and had me watch the 2nd episode.

Then I watched the rest of the episodes.

I was hooked.

Starting in Season 2 was a bit of a cheat, but well played on their part.

The show, writing, acting, chemistry is great in the second season. Going back to watch the first season later, you can see the skeleton of the show it would become, but Seasons 2 and 3 are incredible from start to finish.

Also, don't be shocked to find the show turn into a musical, a cartoon, a stop motion or any of a million other TV or movie tropes. 

While McHale is the *star* of the show, it's a true ensemble throughout.
However, I am of the mind that Danny Pudi as Abed is the real star of the show.
As the grounded center, emotionally detached and through the eye of his documentary lens, he captures the friendship that builds and grows throughout the seasons.

Because what starts as a show about a lawyer looking for a degree at the community college that isn't even the best college in the community becomes a show about...

Friendship.

It's a slow build, but oh so worth it.

You've probably heard about the drama that surrounded creator Dan Harmon, Chevy Chase, and even NBC...

Irrelevant.

The first 3 seasons are great. Seasons 4 and 5 are good.

Season six?

Coming to Yahoo in March.

I can't wait.

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I now own all 5 seasons and have watched all the episodes. And some episodes...several times. :)