The Martian

I would describe Ridley Scott’s THE MARTIAN as “infectiously hopeful”. Astronaut Matt Watney, played with irresistible charm by Matt Damon, rarely succumbs to the near hopelessness of his situation. It’s hard not to smile along with him, cheering him on as he proceeds to outsmart the red planet at every turn.

Damon finds support in an all-star cast in this bright bit of science fiction, including Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Chastain, and more. As you’ve probably figured out, Damon’s Watney is the titular Martian.

The Walk

Philippe Petit is a French high-wire artist who gained fame in the year 1974 for his high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. “The Walk” revolves around his tentative beginning and his eventual love affair with the Twin Towers.

A French accented Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Philippe Petit with earnest. With a well sketched out character at hand, he manages to resonate the emotions fittingly. His chemistry with Charlotte Le Bon (as Annie) was charming while his interaction with Ben Kingsley (as Papa Rudy) were brilliant. Kingsley as expected was a scene stealer while Charlotte Le Bon was rather substandard.