One geek’s take on “The Martian”

Better. Than. Star Wars. That’s right, I said it.

I think it offers broad enough entertainment to appeal to general audiences, but if you’ve got even an iota of geek in you, “The Martian” will become one of your most loved movies of all time.

Among the many things it does fantastically well—the story, the directing, the acting, the visuals—I adore the fact that it doesn’t just suggest that it’s okay to be smart; no, “The Martian” shouts from the rooftops that it’s fucking awesome to be smart. Or, to be more precise, that approaching challenges with the intellectual rigor of a scientist or engineer is fundamental to the advancement of our species.

Critically, though, the film also acknowledges that emotion is at the core of what it means to be human and that, ultimately, it’s when we put these two elemental attributes together—intellect and emotion—that we uncover our best selves.

But enough from me—go see it! Then go see it again with family and friends. Make it clear to Hollywood that we want more movies like “The Martian.”