Interstellar
A film that I've been looking forward too and deliberately avoided trailers to ensure a full experience.
Outstanding. An absolute triumph IMO. This is the film "Gravity" wishes it was. It contains the same fantastic effects and views Gravity did, but this film actually contains a plot.
The basic premise for those who dont know (no spoilers) is that Earths atmosphere is turning more and more hostile and the population of the planet has decreased to about 100 million or so IIRC, All crops have failed, bar corn, which continues to grow but is all humans rely on. Basically, Cooper and Co. must head out through a wormhole near Saturn and find a new home for humanity.
Everything about this film oozes class. The views and cinematography on show are absolutely astounding, top notch stuff. It even surpasses "Life of Pi" IMO, and you will regularly find yourself in disbelief at the beauty and scale of dozens of shots throughout the film. The environments are all varied and beautiful and the film would still be worth seeing even if there was no volume, the views are that good.
The acting is excellent too, with McConaughey continuing to amaze. He is one of my favourite actors of now and his career turn is unbelievable. Could well get another Oscar nomination. The supporting cast do their jobs too, with none of them failing to contribute. Special mention goes to the child actor as well, who handles some tough scenes very well.
The plot is very good, and some scenes will get you emotional. You can never predict whats happening next and the characters all have sufficient backstory with different, and understandable, viewpoints. This makes the plot and the set pieces have actual meaning and tension, unlike other films where you couldnt care less about what happens to the characters. The ending can melt your mind a little bit, but on reflection I found it all to make enough sense and left me satisfied.
Its a film that gets you really thinking as well. You'll be thinking about the film and humanity's future, potential and futility in the grand scheme of space in general. I watched this film at 8 30 tonight, and on walking home at 11 or so I couldnt help but gaze at the stars and wonder about the sheer volume of things out there, and how little we've really seen.
The score by Hans Zimmer comes in for praise as well, picking up at just the right moments and hitting exactly the right tones. Its superbly done and added to the tenser and action scenes dramatically.
Some people will not like it, and one thing I must say is the female lead scientist makes some decisions that would make the Prometheus crowd blush, but on the whole this is a film not just worth watching, but a film worth experiencing as well. It could well change how you view life in general, even if for just a brief while.
If you love space, great directing and cinematography, exploration or, like me, you just love Matthew McConaughey then you have to see this. If you hated "Gravity" for its lack of plot this film is made for you in my honest opinion. An all round excellent film that has actual meaning and an affect on you, something which is far too rare these days
8.5/10
Apologies for the length, but this film warrants more than a line or paragraph IMO