The next frontier in a new movie

In my younger years, there was a tremendous sense of optimism that was generated by our collective national venture, into what we referred to as "The New Frontier." After a protracted absence of both public and government support and interest, that energetic quest to explore space, appears to again be on the rise.

Last Friday, I went to the local Century 6 Theater, to watch the movie, "The Martian." I wasn't sure what to expect. I have had a life long love affair with movies. I especially cherish watching them in a traditional movie theater. I have not attended as many movies lately. I guess my age may be part of the issue.

I used to particularly enjoy watching movie trailers. The mystique of movies and movie making has always peaked my interest. Lately, I find many of the new movie trailers to be loud, weird, and plotless. I immediately mark them off my,"must see" list.

With these thoughts in mind, I attended this new movie, with only modest expectations. Since early in life, I have been fascinated with science fiction movies, television shows, and books. Most of the story lines and themes have already been used, so I wondered if this movie would surprise me.

The star of "The Martian," is one of Hollywood's most dependable box office winners, Matt Damon. As expected, he delivered another professional performance. Joining him were several veteran stars including Jessica Chastain, and Jeff Daniels.

As I had anticipated, this movie didn't offer much to surprise me, but I was very pleased with its very old fashioned and traditional Hollywood style. The movie has a cohesive script, which will draw you totally in. It reminded me of movies from my youth. I sort of had a general idea of what was going to happen, but I still wanted to cheer, clap, and almost wipe a tear, as it reached the climactic point. That's how I measure a movie, and why I have decided to recommend it.

My real pleasure in watching this movie was not due just to its entertainment value. I especially enjoyed the way it renewed my interest in the future, and my belief in mankind's inevitable trek towards another, "The New Frontier."

Americans are by tradition explorers and colonizers. We hacked our own "New World," out of the wilderness and were the leaders into the "New Frontier" of space. This movie fantasized and depicted America, in a futuristic attempt to visit and explore Mars. It also was able to correctly emphasize the need for more than just America's involvement in that future exploration.

I recently wrote about Christopher Columbus and the "Age of Exploration." To the people of that time, setting out to find the lands of the "New World," was just as much of a challenge as a visit to Mars would be today.

If man is to venture to Mars and beyond in the future, it will likely involve a worldwide effort. No one country could afford or develop such a venture by itself.

I am sure that many people find a science fiction movie like "The Martian," to be fanciful and silly. I think there are valid reasons why we should take this latest "New Frontier" prospect seriously.

First and foremost we live in a world that is finite. Our planet is gradually becoming overpopulated and polluted. Like the countries of the "Old World," future generations will have to seek out new frontiers. Staying put will simply not be an option.

The second factor that will lead us to go to Mars and beyond is mankind's natural impulse to seek out and explore. Ever hear the answer to the question posed to mountain climbers, as to why they risk their lives, trying to climb places like "Everest?" Their simple reply is generally, "because it is there!"

I grew up in a time when we decided to send manned space missions to the moon. There were political and scientific reasons for that adventure, but in the final analysis we went because it "was there."

In recent years, there has been a dramatic loss of anticipation and desire, where space exploration is concerned. Successes like reaching the moon, space shuttles, countless communication satellites, and an International Space Station, have become almost too familiar and commonplace. There is no Buck Rogers, Captain Kirk, or Hans Solo, to ignite the imaginations of science fiction devotees like myself.

I think that is about to change. There is a new "Star Wars" movie soon to be released, and I am sure it will spark the youth of today, just as the first movie did, back in the 70s. There is always a need for dreams and fiction to help challenge us to actually turn fantasy into reality.

I am uncertain as to how long it will take for a real Martian mission to even be planned, much less take place, but I am quite certain that it will. The question for me is not whether it will occur, but rather will I be alive, or even have my faculties up and running!

My advice to you is to go and see "The Martian." There are several reasons. First, this is a movie made in the grand old style of Hollywood. There is a good plot. It will thrill you and keep you on the edge of your seat at times. Finally, it has the ability to make you want to clap, cheer, and generally act like you were 12 again at the local theater.

Perhaps the most important reason to go see this movie is to once again remind yourself, that you grew up at the beginning of the space age. Just imagine if the "New Frontier" of Mars, was at the bookend of your life. You were watching when we landed on the moon, and you get to watch us land on Mars. It won't be the angry red planet anymore!