Interstellar Reviews

Well, one off from two of this year's most expected movies alongside 'The Battle of Five Armies'. Like all the Chris Nolan fans, I was equally excited to see the movie on the opening day opening show. But I slightly disappointed that it was not a digital 3D film. I agree, this science-fiction was more dramatized than usual space travel stories does with an adventure-thriller. Almost a 3 hour long stretch movie did not waste much time to take us to the core of the story. Get prepared for this extremely rare voyage into the space with a logical explanation for everything you see on the screen. Well done research for the most matured and intelligent writing. All the credit must go to Nolan brothers. A good sign from Jonathan Nolan, who can make big in the entertainment industry in a future like his brother.

As we know many had liked 'Inception', to me that was a simple multi-layered action movie, that's all. But the same stuffs that used in this film makes sense. In fact, you have to have a little knowledge over how the universe works, so then it will be easy to catch the scene and situations while watching the movie. Totally like a documentary style concept, but with the additional stuffs like characters and its emotions add flavor that gives a movie look. An educational movie, though it also can work for those who wants just entertainment. Only the slow movie pace would test their patience.

It all begins like Shyamalan's 'Signs' movie with a family living surrounded by corn field. Then switches to 'The Astronaut Farmer' and going through 'Gravity', finally meets the 'Inception'. It was just a reference to call the movie setting that brings constant change for every half an hour. Like the opening scene and the end scene had over a 100 years difference.

This world's a treasure, but it's been telling us
to leave for a while now.

As I earlier said it was the story of a family alongside the future of humankind and decoding universal mysteries through travelling in space and time. This movie would a reasonable for those who thought '2001: A Space Odyssey' is a boring piece, Cleverly written cinematic piece especially for science geeks. I don't know how perfect the movie to the actual present astrophysics, but will justify for the common people's capacity of understanding with an encourageable amount of commercial elements in it to entertain as well.

The first three quarters of the movie was well made. It puts me in a unblinkable position like a story was narrated by Brian Cox in a television series. Like I said, lots of astrophysics involved in it, but strangely human emotions were also exhibited equally that I never expected one from Nolan film. It was not an ordinary sentiment, but was strong enough to make a man cry for happy and sad situations in the movie. I liked science and emotion coming together. In fact, it saved the movie, otherwise it would have been a science documentary straight from NASA production through Nolan direction.

There are many surprise elements in the movie and of course there is a twist at the end. We can call it a series of twists like the layers. Compared to last quarter of the movie to the rest, it completely detaches which opens broadly to the different directions. And that happens so fast rushing towards the other end. Which give an impression of the movie 'Inception'. In a perfect way to say the first 75% was 'The Tree of Life' and the remains are 'Inception'.

All the actors were so good. Matthew McConaughey steals the show as he dominates the majority of the screen space in the story presentation. There's no ruling out the fine performance executions from Anne Hathaway and the young star from the Twilight movie, Mackenzie Foy. The remaining cast was having less scope which were like the guest appearances that was widened a little broader, but was perfectly fitted for the story. Especially Matt Damon's was the crucial one.



Remember the movie 'Contact', a lovely movie, which was ruined by its fictional ending. Something like that happened in this film as well. The story was initiated with a realistic approach with actual scientific contents as per the present understanding about the universe. But the end was let me down with the layered contents that kind of impossible to agree with it. As a cinematic theme it worked, yeah, a good solution for this wonderfully written story. We know that the time can't run backwards, so that's the trouble.

Anyway, this movie defines in a new way, I mean scientifically the existence of ghost. It was not a horror movie, but I liked supernatural force that merged with this science fiction theme. That explains and gives vast ideas to expand our physics beyond something and somewhere yet to reach. Hats off to the director, because he was not thinking of making money here. His idea was to implement what the humans are understood so far about the cosmos. And he very nicely transformed those into the silver screen with the blend of human emotions. In my opinion, this will replace '2001: A Space Odyssey' for sometime till another one make this way.

I could have not asked a better space travel drama than this, especially when I heard Nolan doing a science-fiction I believed he gonna rock it. He was so true to the science and the human feelings in this film. If you had seen enough movies before like this one, you can recall your memories like the Tom Hanks parts from 'Cloud Atlas'. But still independently stands strong and falls in a never seen before category.

Maybe we've spent too long trying
to figure all this out with theory.

The end scene leaves a hint of a possible sequel. I would be happy if that happen in a near future, but definitely that would be a completely different cinema as per how this one ended. I know his fans want that to happen and so am I.

The visuals were not that great, but simply very good. To see those in digital 3D would have given us a different experience, sadly Nolan was not in favor of that technology. Hoping this movie would get as many as the Oscars nod. Especially not getting into the best motion picture shortlist would be a shame. Like I said I'm no one fan, I just love watching everyone's every movie. I would have went to see it again if it was converted into digital 3D, since I'm modern tech geek when it comes to the films.

It will become a talk of the week, perhaps month all over the world, so don't leave behind when your friends talk about it. What I gonna say is it is a must see asap if you are a movie fanatic like me otherwise Nolan movies does not need anyone's recommendation because his movies usually sell itself like the hot samosa.

There are minor spoilers here, so be careful.
It's a film that's really, really hard to talk about without going into major plot points, but I'm going to try my best to keep it at a small, general level.

Christopher Nolan's Interstellar has opened up to a bit of mixed-to-positive reviews from film critics. Which have probably angered and disappointed a lot of fans. The thing is, however, that was inevitable. You can't hit everyone when you're making the arguably most ambitious film in decades, and yes, Interstellar is not a 100% perfect film. There are minor problems to be found here, but seeing as Interstellar aims for the nearly impossible, I'm willing to say that Interstellar is a perfect film for audiences despite it not being perfect. It's actually a masterful piece of cinema.

Interstellar opens up on a dying Earth in the not-too-distant future with dust storms, starvation and diseases steadily causing the extinction of the human race. And it is here we spend the first 30 minutes of the film, which is the set-up for the upcoming spectacle the rest of the film is about. The set-up is mostly build around two things. The first thing, and probably most important thing is the father-daughter relationship between Matthew McConaughey's Cooper and his daughter. It sets up the human connection and emotion that shines throughout the entire film, and is in many ways the basic foundation of Interstellar. The other thing is the scientific exposition that is required for the viewer to have some sort of understanding of what is going on. And then we're up to space.

Nolan have previously been criticized a lot for being too cold, and lacking emotion in his films. A consensus I completely disagree with, as Inception is extremely emotional. But Interstellar takes that level one step further, and it almost feels like Nolan has painted another brush of emotion just as answer to his critics. Interstellar is very emotional. There's an emotional core in this film that's really strong. McConaughey's relationship with his family, and the way that he sets out on this journey in order to save them and the rest of the human race causes for several emotional moments that really pulls my heart strings. The sequence that leads up to McConaughey leaving the Earth, where he have to say goodbye to his daughter is absolutely devastating. So is the scene where he watches video clips that he has gotten from his family while he has been gone. There are naturally many other scenes gives an emotional punch, but I'm not going to mention them all. What I will mention however is that I absolutely love that Nolan goes full circle with it and gives us that powerful moment of emotional catharsis in the end. I also like how it goes beyond the emotion that family dynamics gives us. How love can transcend through time and space, and not to mention how it explores the idea we were never meant to die on Earth. All this combined causes Interstellar to be a very powerful film, that had me shedding some tears.



Someone who deserves a lot of praise for causing the sentimentality and emotion in Interstellar to work so well is Hans Zimmer. While I didn't think it was possible for Zimmer to top what he did with Nolan on Inception, I think he actually managed to outdo himself this time. The score for Interstellar is tremendous. Yes, it's loud and present, and might be too much for some, but it gives every scene that little extra spark for it to stand out even more. He walks the thin line between being too manipulative and perfectly balanced, but manages to stay on the right side.

The visuals are astonishing. Unlike anything you've ever imagined. This is a film that you have to see at the biggest screen possible. Nolan's perfect use and combination of in-camera effects and CGI makes Interstellar to be a very immersive film. Because you feel that visuals are much more than just pretty pictures. You feel the soul and craftsmanship behind them, which causes them to become more real, which again engages you more into them. But holy shit, Interstellar is a beautiful film too look at. The scenes on Earth are spectacular, but the visuals in space are just damned impressive. Those grand, majestic, sweeping images of planets, wormholes, black holes and the infinity of space are breathtaking. Add to this an outstanding sound-mix (there's no sound in space, works brilliantly!) and excellent production design, and you've got yourself a truly immersive experience in Interstellar.

The action sequences are brilliantly directed. When Nolan started out with major action in Batman Begins there was some sort of clunkiness to it, but Nolan has evolved exceptionally as an action director, and it really shows in Interstellar. He's very good at playing with the aspect of time and space, as well as cross-editing with things that happens at completely different locations. There are several moments in the film that are super intense, that have you at the very edge of your seat.

Matthew McConaughey delivers yet another brilliant performance, which is starting to become normal for him nowadays, and his portrayal of Cooper ranks amongst his absolute finest. Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, McKenzie Foy and the rest of the supporting cast are equally brilliant. Everyone manages to deliver a nuanced performance that oozes of intensity and emotion, as well as being subtly balanced.



Now, I did notice some minor flaws. The exposition in the beginning, while being necessary, does feel a bit clunky. There's something unnatural in the dialogue that's rather hard to put a finger on, and it doesn't really help that my little brain can't understand all the science, physics, relativity talk they go on about. I do also feel that film perhaps could have ended five minutes earlier, as I didn't think that those minutes were really necessary to the overall story and theme of the film. And there are certain plot points that may come across as being a bit too far-fetched.

Interstellar is something rare. It's a film that is just so much of everything. It's full of ideas and thought-provoking themes. It's thrilling and emotionally powerful. It's visually mesmerizing. It's a film that aspires hope and wonder. A film that dares us to look beyond common filmmaking. It's a film that dares to be something extra. It dares to takes risks and grasp over many things at once. Christopher Nolan may not have succeeded with absolutely everything, but the fact that he tried and came incredibly close to perfection, is something that should be celebrated. We're living in days were studios and filmmakers are playing safer and safer for every day, and finally we got a film and a director that took a leap of faith and went out with extremely high ambitions. And almost succeeded 100% with those. Interstellar is not 100% perfect, but it doesn't matter. The positives, the spectacle, the emotion and ambition of Interstellar far outshines every negative point in it. Therefore, Interstellar manages to be perfect nonetheless.

Director Christopher Nolan and the cast have taken great lengths to insure complete secrecy for one of the year's most anticipated films; Interstellar. I feel that it is only fair to respect this by writing a non-traditional review. There aren't any spoilers to be had here, this is simply a summary of how and what to prepare for when seeing this film. Because even though this film will not appeal to everyone, it remains a must-see.

Interstellar is set in an unknown amount of time in the future. Earth is becoming increasingly unlivable as food supplies are low, and ferocious dust storms commonly occur. Our main protagonist, Cooper, who has two kids he cares deeply for, is sent into space (along with three other astronauts) to find a planet that might sustain life, in order for the human population to evacuate earth.

Because this film is nearly 3 hours long (at 169 minutes), make sure to bring snacks to insure that distracting hunger is not an issue. Bring beverages if you must, but nothing carbonated. Slurping soda may result in bathroom breaks, which I advise highly against. Interstellar both requires and deserves your full attention. Distractions of any kind should not be tolerated.

Do not despair if the first 40 minutes are too slow for your liking. I can assure you that the preceding 130 minutes are thrilling and wondrous. But the first 40 minutes (representing Cooper's time on Earth before the mission) is essential. In addition to suggesting the premise and getting the plot in motion, it constructs the emotional backbone of the story that is pivotal to the experience. Cooper's relationship with his daughter, Murphy (and to a significantly lesser extent, his relationship with his son, Tom) is the heart and soul of this picture. Without it, the entire picture would collapse. Your ability to believe and absorb the story, especially at its most preposterous moments, will rely almost entirely on your investments in Cooper and Murphy's relationship.

Thankfully, these two characters are intricately written, and their relationship is believable and touching. There is a temptation for screenwriters to mistake an actor's youth as personality, thus manipulating the audience with unearned emotion from bland child characters. But Christopher Nolan (and brother, Johnathon Nolan) do not take this easy route. Their friendship and love is painstakingly developed during those 40 minutes, and then expanded throughout the picture. One particular scene that occurs within the first 40 minutes, involves Cooper saying goodbye to Murphy as he prepares to go to space. This scene is stunningly emotional, discarding the sappiness and cliches that would have been so easy to insert here, instead portraying a very real sounding conversation between the two, and subtly suggesting the expanse of poignancy that will overtake this emotionally-charged thrill ride.

Once we get into space, the entire film ascends to incredible heights (literally and metaphorically, of course). The visual effects enter to dazzle and bewilder. These visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. It's been a long time since I've actually watched a film with my mouth agape in wonder, but it happened here many times. The special effects are accented with the emotion and connection with our main character, as well as stunning, poignant silence. The silence in particular could have been mere space gimmickry, but its applications are frequently astounding.

When the film isn't overtaken with silence, Hans Zimmer's score comes in to elevate the picture even further. The organ plays a big part in the music, suggesting grandness, menace, and spectacle all at once. But it's not all "loud noises." Zimmer manages to insert soft, minimalist piano pieces throughout the picture, but it never feels like an obvious cliche. It's an achievement in judgement. For even the most simple and quiet of piano music here manages to suggest scale and enormity in a way that even the loudest of modern blockbuster scores can't manage. Its entertainment on its own merit could be potentially disappointing. But paired with picture, I don't have any hesitation with naming Interstellar as one of the rare perfectly scored films, joining rankings with E.T., Up, Hugo, and Edward Scissorhands. If this sounds absurd, I urge you to watch the film. Hans Zimmer has purposely delayed the album release by two weeks, so that audiences will be forced to watch the film before owning the music. This isn't a gimmick, it's a service to the both the picture and the music.

The cast gives it their all in one of the best ensemble performances I've seen. Matthew McConaughey is our protagonist, and he brings both subtly and intensity to this nuanced and beautiful performance. McCounaughey won't win an Oscar for this (his win last year for Dallas Buyer's Club and Intertsellar's less then excellent reception are speed-bumps to big overcome), but he deserves one. The rest of the cast is no less impressive. Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain, McKenzie Foy, and several others shine and enchant. Billy Irwin voices a comedic robot that is not the annoying supporting character you may have been expecting. His presence is minimal, but constant, and his humorous contributions are funny without being overbearing. The result is seemless integration of 5% comedy with 95% drama.

The last hour of the film is where many have been turned off. It has split a lot of audiences right down the middle. It worked for me (though with quibbles here and there), but some have found the last act to be a deal breaker. I offer no advice here, except to say that this is "pure" science fiction, and those unaccustomed to such may find themselves dissatisfied.

In many respects, Interstellar is Christopher Nolan's "statement" project. After consistent critical and box office success time and time again, the studios and producers have backed off. The movie is 3 hours long, and it's only that long because of Nolan's current status. Nolan also got to say "no" to 3D, and instead, promote IMAX screenings (which were open two days before the film's official release). Interstellar was shot entirely in film (as opposed to being shot digitally), a fact that the end credits proudly trumpet. So it's a little sad that Interstellar has been received with such mixed reactions. The complaints don't necessarily match up. Detractors of this film hate the ending. They despise the length. They question the subtly of the themes. For some, the film simply works, and that's all there is too it. Such is the case for me.

I acknowledge the film's many flaws. The science-y gobbly-gook that occasionally overtakes the picture is sometimes lazily used to explain or justify plot points. Context for several scenes are sometimes a bit unclear. And there's some poorly disguised exposition at the beginning of the film. Interstellar is not a perfect film; it has problems to be certain. Though I would argue that length is not one of them. Many would disagree, but I don't think Interstellar could have been as effective if its run time was any shorter. On the contrary, I wouldn't have minded terribly if the film was a little longer. There are so many ideas and themes that are suggested, but never fully developed, and it's a shame that there wasn't time for all of them. As is, the 169 minutes we spend in Nolan's galactic vision are wonderful. But the most compelling element here, is the very earthly connection between Cooper and Murphy. That is the secret to this film's success. That is the key to its brilliance and effectiveness. Not a masterpiece, but it transcends the term "film" and meets the qualifications of an "experience."

Many will no doubt flock to Christopher Nolan's latest Sci-Fi blockbuster. His movies are always rated extremely highly by the masses and there is usually a buzz around anything associated with his name. There is no denying that Nolan is an ambitious director and since The Dark Knight he has focused solely on creating loud, big-budget Hollywood blockbusters.

Interstellar continues the trend. It is a highly ambitious film about how love can transcend time and space. Does this sound a bit cheesy? Yes? Well, that's because it is. Does Hans Zimmer's soundtrack slap you over the head for close to 3 hours with a sledgehammer? Absolutely! In fact, this film is so loud that there are certain points where there is no audible dialogue whatsoever. And this is not intentional. It's not like what Terrence Malick did in Days of Heaven where the the music takes precedence over dialogue in order to merge with the visuals. Here Zimmer's deafening orchestra simply annihilates the dialogue that we are supposed to hear. This happens in a few very intense scenes. This Zimmer dude lacks subtlety and loves to hammer his point home. Cue: intense scene. Cue: you should be emotional now. Cue: this is deep. Cue: this is a turning point. OKAY OKAY! I understand! Relax Zimmer.

Apart from its preachy tone and over-the-top soundtrack, I enjoyed Interstellar for what it is: a visually impressive Hollywood blockbuster. It has its flaws and its certainly not a masterpiece. Matthew McConaughey delivers another top rate performance in the lead role. There are some very emotional scenes that will melt the coldest of hearts.