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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Don’t want to see ‘The Martian’? Read or listen to it

Dan Webster

For the past several years, I've been reviewing audiobooks for Audible.com. One of the finalists in last year' science fiction category for the Audie Awards was "The Martian," written by Andy Weir and read by R.C. Bray. (The overall winner was "Captain Vorpatril's Alliance," by Lois McMaster Bujold, read by Grover Gardener.)

The audiobook was how I was introduced to Weir's story, which involves a crew member of a NASA Mars mission who ends up, following a series of unfortunate circumstances, marooned on the planet. Facing a situation that would challenge the skills of Mister Wizard, the crew member — botanist Mark Watney — must find a way to survive until the next mission crew can come get him. Four long years later.

Now Weir's novel has come to the big screen, courtesy of director Ridley Scott and screenwriter Drew Goddard. And while the movie has its qualities, it's not appreciably better than what Weir put on paper. Or what Bray reads out loud.

So, by all means, go and see the movie. Especially in 3D. But don't forget the original formats.