“The Martian” is fascinating, beautiful and wonderful. It’s more than a movie. It’s a cinematic experience. It’s an astounding piece of film-making. It’s also an uplifting story. Your spirits will soar.

It’s about a National Aeronautical And Space Administration (NASA) astronaut, Mark Watney (Matt Damon), left behind on Mars after a sandstorm there causes the mission to be abandoned.

Watney is presumed dead, but is not. He’s 140 million miles from Earth. His survival and the attempts to rescue him form the basis of a science fiction thriller that is a gripping drama, a dynamic yarn and an inspiration.

For a change, the plot has nothing to do with monsters, aliens and fictional galactic empires at war. The story is about good old-fashioned shade-tree mechanic ingenuity, hot-rod imagination, cooperation, collaboration and teamwork, and the triumph of the human spirit.

“The Martian,” set in the not too distance future, envisions a world still captivated by space-travel. It’s probably the closest United States citizens will get to rooting for NASA now that much of the nation’s space program seems to be on hold with the retirement of the Space Shuttle. If you liked “Gravity” (2013), you’ll love “The Martian.”

“The Martian” is directed with bravura by Ridley Scott (“Exodus: Gods & Kings,” 2014; “Prometheus,” 2012; “Black Hawk Down,” 2001; “Gladiator,” 2000; “Thelma & Louise,” 1991; “Blade Runner,” 1982; “Alien,” 1979). It’s one of his most fully realized films. Look for several Oscar nominations, including for director for Ridley Scott.

The screenplay by Drew Goddard (“World War Z,” 2013; “Cloverfield,” 2008; TV’s “Lost,” “Alias,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) hits all the emotional points in plot and character development and has quite a bit of humorous quips. Think TV’s “The Office” for the combination of characters and wisecracks. Each character is given his or her moment, spurring audience empathy. The film is based on the novel by Andy Weir.

Matt Damon is fully-committed as Watney. Look for an Oscar actor nomination for Damon. He captures a range of emotions, from distraught (as one might imagine), to anger, to humor, to jubilation.

Jessica Chastain is again excellent. She portrays the mission commander with the right mix of power and compassion. Excellent in supporting roles are Jeff Daniels as the head of NASA; Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sean Bean as NASA officials, and Michael Pena and Kate Mara as NASA astronauts.

Noteworthy in smaller roles are Donald Glover and Benedict Wong and Kristen Wiig as NASA officials.

“The Martian” has astounding computer-generated effects. Not for a moment do you doubt the reality of what you’re witnessing. The scenes on Mars are breathtaking. The NASA Mars rover vehicle is impressive, as are the scenes at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Mission Control. The film seems to be tech-savvy and scientifically-authentic.

For this review, “The Martian” was seen in 3D, which is recommended.

The cinematography by Dariusz Wolski is fantastic. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams supports the thrills. A bevy of 1970s disco songs (“Hot Stuff,” Donna Summer, 1979; “Turn The Beat Around,” Vicki Sue Robinson, 1976) and one well-placed David Bowie song (“Starman,” 1972) pumps up the volume and augments the energy.

It’s good do see a movie where there are no bizarre creatures, where none are shooting at each other or beating each other up, and where there are no sex scenes.

We need a movie with a hero. “The Martian” is that. It’s a must-see on the big screen.

“The Martian,” MPAA rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13.) for some strong language, injury images and brief nudity; Genre: Adventure, Drama, Science-fiction; Run time: 2 hrs., 41 mins.; Distributed by 20th Century Fox.

Credit Readers Anonymous: “The Martian” was filmed on location in Jordan and Hungary. For more information on “The Martian”: areslive.com

Box Office, Oct. 9: ”The Martian” continued orbiting at No. 1, $37 million, $108.7 million, two weeks, with “Hotel Transylvania 2” continuing at No. 2 with $20.3 million, $116.8 million, three weeks, keeping “Pan” opening at No. 3, with $15.5 million;

4. The Intern,” $8.6 million, $49.5 million, three weeks; 5. “Sicario,” $7.3 million, $26.7 million, four weeks; 6. “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,” $5.2 million, $70.6 million, four weeks; 7. “The Walk,” $3.6 million, $6.3 million, two weeks; 8. “Black Mass,” $3.1 million, $57.5 million, four weeks; 9. “Everest,” $3 million, $38.2 million, four weeks; 10. “The Visit,” $2.4 million, $61 million, five weeks

Unreel, Oct. 16:

“Bridge of Spies,” PG-13: Steven Spielberg directs Tom Hanks, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan and Eve Hewson in a drama based on the story of an American lawyer recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union.

“Goosebumps,” PG: Jack Black stars in the horror comedy film based on author R.L. Stine’s books.

“Truth,” R: James Vanderbilt directs Cate Blanchett, Elisabeth Moss, Robert Redford and Topher Grace in a drama based on the 2004 CBS “60 Minutes” report about then-President George W. Bush’s military service that resulted in Dan Rather being fired.

“Crimson Peak,” R: The house is a real horror. Guillermo del Toro directs Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam, Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska.

Four Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes