The science-fiction epic The Martian is also an irresistible human drama. Review by Matt Cummings With news recently that Mars most likely has water, mankind seems more ready than ever to venture there. Thus it seems fitting that Ridley Scott's The Martian should arrive to remind us of the dangers those journeys will ultimately bring. But the result is a brilliant, smart, and well-acted affair that is also one of the best films of the year. While on a mission to Mars, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is left behind after a massive storm leaves him injured and presumed dead. His commander (Jessica Chastain), and fellow crew members (Michael Pena, Kate Mara, and Sebastian Stan) are forced to abandon the mission, while Watney wakes up injured and covered in sand. Rather than giving up, he decides to survive until the next mission arrives four years later, 'sciencing the shit' out of the remains of base camp into a partial greenhouse. Meanwhile on Earth, NASA Direct