Oscar Review: The Martian and Emma’s Ale House

Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig

In 250 Characters or Less:

Mark Watney is left alone on Mars to fend for himself...a planet where nothing grows.  A botanist, he figures out how to grow potatoes and stay alive, until he and his team, both on Earth and in space, can figure out a way to get him home safely.

What Works:

While the film isn't exactly action-packed, it is full of exciting, and at certain times, nerve wracking moments. From the second Watney is left on the planet, to watching him figure out ways to survive, to finding a way back home, the movie is nothing short of entertaining. Matt Damon was incredibly charming and funny, but also seemed a bit un-phased and arrogant at times. I would think that someone who was stuck on a planet, with a slim chance of survival, would freak out a little more. But, his hubris, sarcastic wit and survival skills helped keep him alive and made the two and half hour film go by quickly.

Rounding out a great film was a great cast.  Joining Damon in this epic journey was Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kristen Wiig as NASA employees and Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Sebastian Stan as fellow astronauts.

Be Aware:

There wasn’t much we didn’t enjoy about this film, but you should go in knowing a lot of the film is Damon, alone, either coming up with ways to plant potatoes or talking to a video journal. It’s not exactly sit on the edge of your seat, riveting content, but Damon does a great job keeping it interesting for the audience.

Overall Grade: A

EmmasAleHouse.com

Emma’s Ale House

In 250 Characters or Less:

Mark Watney keeps himself alive by growing and eating lots of potatoes. Had he known about Emma’s Ale House, he could have taken a page out of its playbook and spiced things up with its variety of whipped potatoes, french fries and tater tots.

What Works:

This quirky pub prides itself on comfort food -- oh, and the fact that “Emma” is the owner’s dog! -- and loads on the carbs with its multitude of potato options. Be sure to check out its sides of handcut fries with sea salt, sweet potato fries, shoestring combo fries, tater tots, whipped potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes and -- our favorite -- the wasabi mashed potatoes. What we love most about this place though is that it’s a friendlier, cleaner and more mature environment than the typical underaged crowd frequented by the average White Plains bar.

Be Aware:

Despite the fun and unique decor, remember this is still a bar and that standard pub grub often applies here. While the potatoes are highly recommended, don’t put this place on par with a five-star restaurant. Our suggestion is to stick to the standard fare such as the hot dogs and side dishes and to not go too crazy ordering anything more involving.

Overall Grade: B+

68 Gedney Way in White Plains

(914) 683-3662
EmmasAleHouse.com