Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Martian is a sci-fi space thriller based on Andy Weir's best-selling novel, a popular book among both adult and teen readers. Matt Damon stars as Mark Watney, a NASA astronaut accidentally left behind on Mars when his crew thinks he died during an emergency evacuation. Expect some salty language (including "f--k," which is somewhat understandable given Watney's dire circumstances), a quick glimpse of Damon's rail-thin naked body from behind, a gory moment when Watney has to deal with a serious wound, and tense moments of peril, including the initial wind storm that results in Watney getting knocked out and impaled, subsequent explosions, and other life-and-death situations. Despite the strong language, this is a compelling, diversely cast thriller for middle schoolers and up who are interested in space travel, science, technology, and, of course, science-fiction.
Sexual
Content
It's not sexual, but there's one shot of Watney rail-thin and naked from behind. One kiss.
Violence
Perilous scenes of the Ares 3 crew's evacuation and when Watney is struck and vanishes. Later he has to remove a part that impaled him in the chest and staple the bloody wound shut. He survives again and again as things blow up and injure but don't kill him. His weight loss becomes startling by the end of the movie. Rescue scenes are scary and tense.
Language
Watney curses fairly often, as does NASA communications officer Annie. Words used include one "f--k," plus "s--t," "a--hole," "damn," etc.
Social
Behavior
A tribute to the triumphs of science, teamwork, and the human spirit. Watney believes in his mind and what he knows about science to get him through each day and to keep him alive until NASA can send help. The NASA and JPL scientists and Chinese space program work together to help Watney.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
