Selma Hayek and underworld pals offered a fleeting, cameo glimpse of which way the film could have gone, instead of Lady Gaga's hammy method showboating. Not Scott's best work.
“This arguably a non-answer, but as a pretty normal earthling I don't give a shit about Mars or Mars exploration. Rovers are cool I guess?”
I fear you're right. Looking at the reviews, I find myself trusting you and the other detractors, mainly because those who speak in its favour are shades and variations of the "so bad it's good" camp.