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You could be forgiven for mistaking the title for a visit to the eponymous chocolate factory as there's so much sugar in the new sci-fi thriller from Brian De Palma that you're in danger of getting a cavity.
You want the movie in a nutshell?
Well, take 2001, mix with Apollo 13, add a dash of The Abyss, throw in a bit of 2010, heat and serve untill all the sugar turns to celluloid and the movie rakes in a packet at the American box office.
It's intriguing that the shorter version of Mission to Mars is MTM as it's a little too close to M and M's for comfort. But just in case you miss the rather obvious product placement, we are treated to some wonderful plugging for Dr Pepper as Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, Jerry O Connell and pretty but nameless supporting actress go off to rescue Don Cheadle from his Martian doom.
The plot is so lightweight thjat you could write it on the back of an enevelope; the cast are likeable and the set pieces range from the tense to the downright boring.
Ennio Morricone provides the soundtrack, obviously under the illusion that he was providing a church service theme at some points.
The special effects range from great to amateur and it's just a pity that the protracted ending turns into the wonderful world of Disney.
Worth a look on dull April Sunday afternoon but no classic.
