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Mission to Mars

Play trailer 2:13 Poster for Mission to Mars PG Released Mar 10, 2000 1h 52m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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24% Tomatometer 115 Reviews 30% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
The first manned mission to Mars in 2020 ends in disaster when three of the crew are seemingly killed and the fourth, Luke Graham (Don Cheadle), is stranded with no way to contact Earth. Jim McConnell (Gary Sinise), Woody Blake (Tim Robbins), Phil Ohlmyer (Jerry O'Connell) and Terri Fisher (Connie Nielsen) are sent on a rescue mission to rescue any survivors and find out what happened. The team uncovers startling evidence that Mars may not be a dead planet after all.
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Mission to Mars

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Critics Consensus

Beauty only goes skin deep in this shallow but visually stunning film.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media So-so sci-fi; may be too intense for some kids. Rated: 3/5 Dec 26, 2010 Full Review Empire Magazine Rated: 1/5 Dec 30, 2006 Full Review Eric Henderson Slant Magazine Mission to Mars' redemptive coda opened the door for the subsequent film's continuing figurative and literal sanguinity. Rated: 3.5/4 Aug 27, 2006 Full Review Grant Watson Fiction Machine Derivative, weak, and needlessly simplistic. Rated: 3/10 Jul 7, 2021 Full Review Tony Black Cultural Conversation A sedate, mournful, yet optimistic journey to the stars. Rated: 3/5 Feb 16, 2021 Full Review Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal Swerves into irreversible stupidity down the stretch, generally plays like a half-formed prequel to "Ancient Aliens," and ends like a Disney ride version of "Ad Astra." But Brian De Palma's hand is all over the sustained tension of the second act. Rated: 2/5 Nov 30, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ralph R Brian De Palma's Mission to Mars (2000) delivers an engaging space exploration adventure that still holds up as a fascinating depiction of outer space, especially given the limited technical knowledge available at the time. While it may not be flawless in its execution, the film does a commendable job of portraying the challenges and mysteries of space travel. The performances, particularly from Gary Sinise and Don Cheadle, are standout elements. Their characters bring depth and emotion to the story, grounding the film's high-concept premise with human connection. The storyline is another highlight, offering a plot that’s unpredictable in true De Palma fashion. The layers of mystery and the well-written underlying message keep the audience invested throughout. The script may not be perfect, with some moments feeling a bit thin, but it works well in service of the overall narrative. Combined with De Palma’s direction, the dialogue and pacing help to maintain the film’s emotional and intellectual impact. Mission to Mars is a movie for those who appreciate science fiction with a thoughtful touch. Its visuals, strong performances, and engaging plot make it a memorable exploration of both outer space and the human spirit. Even after all these years, it’s a film that remains enjoyable to revisit. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/24/24 Full Review Drew S One of if not my favorite astronaut film. Definitely my favorite movie about Mars. The music was truly incredible thanks to Ennio Morricone. I personally thought the acting was amazing especially the performances of Don Cheadle and Connie Nielson. Jerry O'Connell was funny as always. One of my few true complaints without cherry picking is I really wish we had more development from Gary Sinise's character. His character didn't really feel like a main character where his wife recently died. Don Cheadle's character was nearly perfect as far a character development and acting. I fully believed he was stranded on mars and was completely hopeless. I also feel the (spoilers) martian wasn't really convincing, it looked fine sure but for some reason it didn't look real which I only complain because the rest of the vfx are stellar especially for 2000. I highly recommend this film if you are a fan of these kind of movies. I give it a 85-90 out of 100 easily Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/15/24 Full Review Redbil A This movie was completely misunderstood by the journalists at the time. All I can do is implore people to watch it and stay with it. It is slow but you will be immersed by the end. De Palma at his best. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/12/24 Full Review King Z One of my favorite Sci Fi Movies. Cant believe how it got low ratings. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/20/23 Full Review James K One of my favourite films, so much heart! Not your usual kill the aliens plot line. Visually beautiful, well acted, with characters you can care about. Music is delightful, plot is well thought through. I cry everytime I watch it, lovely❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/17/23 Full Review Glenn H One of the worst acting jobs I have ever seen in a movie or TV show. It's like they are reading the script for the first time. Don't get started on time jumps either. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 07/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Mission to Mars

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis The first manned mission to Mars in 2020 ends in disaster when three of the crew are seemingly killed and the fourth, Luke Graham (Don Cheadle), is stranded with no way to contact Earth. Jim McConnell (Gary Sinise), Woody Blake (Tim Robbins), Phil Ohlmyer (Jerry O'Connell) and Terri Fisher (Connie Nielsen) are sent on a rescue mission to rescue any survivors and find out what happened. The team uncovers startling evidence that Mars may not be a dead planet after all.
Director
Brian De Palma
Producer
Tom Jacobson
Screenwriter
Lowell Cannon, John Thomas, John Thomas, Jim Thomas, Jim Thomas, Graham Yost
Distributor
Touchstone Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Red Horizon Productions, Touchstone Pictures, StudioCanal, Spyglass Entertainment, Jacobson Company
Rating
PG (Sci-Fi Violence|Language)
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 10, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$60.9M
Runtime
1h 52m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Surround, Dolby EX, DTS, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Digital Projection, Scope (2.35:1)
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