First of all, the Martian was nothing like Gravity. I guess that was my biggest problem. Having loved movies like Gravity and Interstellar, this one did not come close to the performance bar let alone pass it. Everything about this movie was average. So highly disappointed with Matt Damon.

1. Directing - The director worked with what he was given but there was so much more he could do. For example, there is a scene where Damon is severely undernourished and is skin and bones. His face isn't shown. The very next camera shot shows Damon 'who was supposed to be skin and bones' completely healthy and as muscular as ever. No, the space suit cannot hide a body's figure.

2. Writing - I wasn't impressed with the script. It wasn't very different but the only good thing was it was light, had a lot of humor and the story kept you going. However, every twist and plot was extremely far fetched and close to impossible. A person with common sense just sits there going "-_- seriously? Whom are you kidding? That is so not possible!"

3. Acting - The acting was top notch. I expected big things from such a promising cast and then delivered. Very pleased.

4. Production design - It was brilliant. The sets, both on Mars and on earth were amazing. I was blown away. The red planet was indeed red and the equipment all looked fancy and expensive. Tick. Tick. Tick for The Martian.

5. Sound - The sound track and background score was average. Neither catchy nor lethargic.

Bottomline - Go watch this if you have nothing better to see. P.s. Forget watching it on the TV.