The Martian

LOGAN ***1/2
Ridley Scott's latest movie is another sci-fi flick, only this one is a lot more light-hearted than those he's made in the past.  This is a good thing.  "The Martian" could be described as a cross between "Cast Away" and "Apollo 13."  Mark Watney gets stranded on Mars and has to not only find a way to survive, but figure out how to communicate with NASA.  Usually this would be tragic, but the movie is surprisingly really funny, as Matt Damon pulls off a great performance as this brilliant scientist trapped in an extremely difficult situation.  The other cast members do a really good job too, such as Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Eijofor and others.  Even though some of the movie felt pretty slow, and definitely could've been trimmed a bit, it really gives you a connection with Mark Watney.  You feel like Mars is a place that you would like to visit and avoid all at the same time.  It's interesting, funny, and engaging: a must-see movie.

BRYCE ***
CHASE ***1/2
LANDON ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***