chadd firchau

(2012-04-26 21:57:30)

Brain burn.

I like Christopher Nolan. He a good director. His little movie here,Inception, is one of those movies that give you brain burn. Allow me toexplain! A rag tag team of handsome thieves invade people's dreams and extractmemories. But for some reason implanting ideas in someone's head issuper hard? No it's not! Hypnotist do it all the time. Then this Arthurcharacter says "The dreamer can always remember the genesis of theidea. True inspiration is impossible to fake." Also, not true. Peopleget source amnesia all the time. I'm sure you've met someone who claimsto have invented a joke or a phrase that they actually heard fromsomeone else. And these thieves are trying to get some wealthy hot-shot to shut downhis bidnass? There's an easier way to do that that doesn't involvedream invasion. Wallstreet does it all the time. If some butt-wipe isgetting too powerful, just bust him for any number of egregious crimesin which super wealthy billionaires inevitably get themselves involved.Or frame him and arrange some kind of take-over. 10000000000 timeseasier. Additionally, there are plenty of cheesy Hollywood shootouts where thebad guys can't aim, and cars function perfectly fine after being filledwith bullet holes. You could say the cars still work cuz it's a dream,but then why do shot up people get totally screwed? I can overlookthese ridiculous elements in a Jean Claude Van Damme movie by simplyturning off my brain, but that's exactly where everything goes wrong inthis movie. Ya see, if this was a comedy, everything in the story would work. Butit isn't a comedy, is it, homies? heck no, son, it's a psychologicalthriller! So it's meant to stimulate your brain, but all theabsurdities mentioned above ask you turn your brain off in order toenjoy it. So the constant turning on and off chafes your brain. Brainburn.

pegasus65

(2012-04-26 03:59:26)

Boring Copy of The Matrix (1999)

When Inception came out in the Summer of 2010, everyone made a big dealabout it. I just rented Inception and I can't understand what all thehoopla was about. It's essentially a cheap copy of The Matrix whichcame out 11 years before in 1999. Someone at the rental store said hehad a hard time staying awake while he saw it. The same thing happenedto me which is incredibly ironic since Inception involves sleeping. Itwas boring and at over 2 hours long I was wondering if I should speedup the playback to 1.2x speed. It was so boring that I took a break andsaw Attack of the Puppet People (1958) which was actually moreinteresting! Then I returned to Inception and saw the second half.I can't understand how Inception managed to make $300M. It must havebeen marketing and hype orchestrated by the studios. I am so glad Ionly paid $1.25 to see this boring tripe. If you haven't already seenthe original or haven't seen it for a few years, rent The Matrix. It'sfar better.5 out of 10 stars

dragoniawriter

(2012-04-24 00:24:56)

One of my favourite films ever

Normal when I see a film, I'm sure like many people, I usually have 1of 3 different reactions. They usually range from "wow, that wasbrilliant" to "meh, it was OK" to "my god, that was s***!" - or wordsto that effect. But it's very rare I will see a film and thing "Thisfilm is brilliant. I HAVE to tell people about this." Inception is oneof those films. Seriously, I have bored people to death with how much Ilove this movie - but that can only be a good thing surely? Knowingthat this was directed by Chris Nolan, who has directed such greatfilms like Memento and (of course) Batman Begins and the Dark Knight, Iknew this was going to be a good film. But I had no idea how good itwas going to be. This film really got me thinking into the idea ofdreams and its a fascinating in depth look at the distinction toreality and the dream world and how we as humans perceive it.I could go into great detail about all the good things about thismovie, but I'd most likely echo what has been already said a thousandtimes, so I'll just go over a couple of the major points that othershave raise (at least from the reviews I've heard or the comments I'veheard others say).Firstly, a common note is that the story is complicated. But actuallyit's not, the story is very simple - but it's the way it's executedthat makes it hard to follow. Especially when it starts getting intothe 3 different layers of dreams and the way they have to time itcorrectly to leave each dream (As the time difference is so differentbetween each of them). So while the film does require you to payattention, once you take it in, it flows very nicely and is very wellthought out, with few to no plot holes.Another comment is that people say the actors are a little emotionallydistant in their performances. I disagree. There is a lot of emotionaldepth to the characters, but it's usually all played inwardly and theydon't overblown it like so many Hollywood films do. DiCaprio inparticular it fantastic as his character is so emotionally tortured,but he keeps all inside and refuses to let anyone else in. This makeshim a really interested character and you really do want him toconfront his demons. Cillian Murphy is the other character whoseperformance I would note. While he doesn't seem like much at thebeginning, there is one scene at the end that has a lot of passion andsadness that makes you feel sorry for him. As far as the othercharacters go, some argue that they are just there to move the storyforward. But I think each of them plays a valuable part and the filmprobably wouldn't move as well as it did without them.It's also worth mentioning the special effects, which are breathtaking.There's not a huge amount of CGI effects compared to other films and alot of it is practical - but they actually add to the films magic,rather than detracting from it. The effects they do use are beautifulto watch and many of them will leave you breathless.Now, normally to make an even review, I like to balance a review withthe good and bad points, but, honestly. I cannot think of ANYTHING badabout this movie. But that's just my own point of view and it's utterlysubjective. Others may find fault with this and that's just fine, butfor me, I personally cannot think of anything bad to say about thismovie.Chris Nolan is definitely a direction that treats his audience likeintelligent human beings and not cash-whores like a lot of Hollywooddirectors do. Inception is a film that, if I were to list my top tenmovies of all time, it would probably come in at number 4 or 3. Andconsidering that list would also include films like Blade Runner, 2001and Akira, that's no small compliment. I'll admit that this film maynot be to everyone's taste as it does require your full attention. Butif you can give it a chance, then I highly recommend it. It's a realtreat and further proof that it is possible to make classic movies inthis day and age.

(2012-04-23 22:25:41)

Great Film, could be better as a Trilogy.

Inception is one of the best sci-fi films I have seen in a long while. It delves deeply into the idea of the subconscious mind and reality. Inception has a pretty straight foward plot and not so complicated concept (can be explained more). The plot and action of the movie is very intriguing, mind-bending, and keeps you interesting throughout the entire film. I'm very satisfied with the casting. Leonardo DiCaprio has another brilliant performance and Joseph Gordon-Levitt did a fine job as well. At first I was skeptical about Ellen Page, but was quite impressed with her performance in this movie. Ken Watanabe did a terrific job as Saito and made his character a lot more interesting than I thought given credit to. Inception is a very good movie, has its Cons.Like I stated earlier, Inception has a very straight foward plot and concept, but because of that I think it could've been explained a bit more, thus I thought could've been explained thoroughly in a trilogy. There were alot of times in the movie where I thought Nolan could have been more specific. The totem concept is simple, but the ending made it a bit confusing (If you're the architect of the Dream, can't you control the totem, regardless of knowing the texture?). I thought there was a bit too much action near the end of the movie to the point where it made me a bit irritated. I think if Nolan removed some of the action at the end and added more depth with the plot I would've given a 5-star without a doubt. The ending of the movie was obviously left hanging and ambiguous for the audience to figure out, but to this point it is still leaving my friends and I with discussions of what really happened. I like what Nolan did, but at the same time, I want a definite answer, therefore causing me to want a trilogy, or at least a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed the movie alot and highly recommend everyone to watch it.If you love sci-fi films, you will not be disappointed. I recommend renting it if you aren't such a big fan of sci-fi films, but if you are, this is a good movie to keep and watch a couple times if you have the urge to understand the movie more!

user-245-203010

(2012-04-13 16:49:26)

a colossal waste of time

2.5 hours of my life wasted watching this drivel. Sorry for fans ofthis film but I thought it was garbage. I don't like dream stories,might as well be about wizards, anything can happen, there's noreality. I don't like slo mo stuff or flying through the air. And why 2actors as prime characters who look like children? I'm referring toEllen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I like them both as actors butthey are supposed to be a crack team of experts, hard to believe when 2of them look about 14 years old. They'd be great in a stoner movie orsomething, not in something that's meant to be serious. One of themperhaps, but both, no.

Special-K88

(2012-04-12 19:07:06)

a wildly effective mind game

Exciting, intricate, cerebral thriller from the one and onlyChristopher Nolan. DiCaprio—a thief with heavy emotional baggage—is aprofessional "dream extractor" who obtains inaccessible informationfrom others by penetrating their subconscious mind. With the aid of amotley, high-precision team, he's recruited by powerful businessmanWatanabe for his most difficult assignment yet and a definitive shot atredemption…and the hits just keep on coming. Only director Nolan (whocaptivated audiences with the labyrinthine thriller Memento) could pullthis one off, delivering a gripping, pulse-pounding, and multilayeredstory that's rich with emotion and nuance, endlessly inventive ideas,intriguing plot twists, colorful characters, and more than enoughhigh-energy action/effects sequences. Film's mind-boggling logic can beconfusing—to say the least—even questionable at times, but the scriptalways manages to deliver a new, effective twist to keep you on theedge of your seat. The kind of film that requires a careful attentionspan, and likely repeated viewings. ***½

nukfan

(2012-04-11 06:19:45)

Engaging and realistic

Inception is the 2 and a half hour thriller by acclaimed directorChristopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) that has been at the top of the boxoffice for almost a month... with good reason.The plot, of course, is 100% fiction. People are capable of sharingdreams with each other and stealing secrets from the minds of otherdreamers... on, like the plot of the movie, forcing things into theminds of other dreamers. Leonardo Dicaprio (who ALWAYS chooses theright movies) is very good in this, as is Ellen Page and the otheractors/actresses). And if you have ever thought about how movies almostNEVER show a dream the way it should be, then you will be pleased withthis film. There are many trippy events that occur, such as a "kick"(the "falling feeling"), which wakes you up from your dreamimmediately. The ending to film... I don't think I can say anythingwithout giving the film away so I wont tell you about it.I don't want to give away the plot at all, but it's deep, amazing, andfull of state-of-the-art special effects. In my opinion it's the mostcreative film since the matrix.

Johnny Hollywood

(2012-04-10 10:32:59)

Nolan isn't afraid to dream a little bigger...

Anticipators called it the movie event of the year. Sceptics called itthe unnecessary cash-in following the insurmountable success of Nolan'searlier endeavour. I assure you, believe the hype. One of the mostambitious films in contemporary cinematic history, Inception engagesits audience right from the opening scene like few other films beforeit. Everybody delivers their A-game in a movie that draws inspirationfrom Memento, The Dark Knight, Ocean's Eleven, James Bond and TheMatrix (to name a few) yet remains powerfully original throughout.Without giving too much away, the film's protagonist Dom Cobb, aworld-class thief with the ability to steal secrets directly from thedreams in which they are locked away, is asked to do the opposite:implant an artificial memory in the mind of a major corporate player,in exchange for the clearing of his tarnished name. From there Nolan leads us through a complex world of metaphysicalcreation; dreams- within-dreams, if you will. Indeed, it is thedirector's guiding yet stern hand that applies mind-bending depth tothis film. By this I mean that, yes, we are required to pay extremeattention to the story at all times, but are aptly rewarded with anexpertly-crafted conclusion that literally leaves your heart poundingand your head questioning the true meaning of the film long after theclosing credits.Nolan has already proved himself an excellent director, and Inceptionhas ensured his legendary status. But, for the film to be consideredtruly great, it would have to be driven by Dicaprio. This is his bestopportunity to stand up and be counted among the greatest actors goingaround today, and he delivers in a big way. He portrays aninconceivably complex character in Cobb with such passion andprofessionalism that it really is a toss-up whether the Academy willnominate this, or another troubled role as Shutter Island's TeddyDaniels, as the vehicle towards his first independent Oscar. Not since The Godfather has such a standout lead performance beenmatched, if not overshadowed, by an equally brilliant supporting cast.Hardy, Watanabe, Murphy, Cotillard and Caine all act with poise, buthonourable mentions must go to Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page. AsCobb's right-hand man, Gordon-Levitt shares the comic-reliefresponsibility with Tom Hardy, but never overplays his hand. Instead,he gives off an air of utter confidence and capability, taking a rolesupposedly reserved for Christian Bale and making it his own.Page plays Ariadne (alias: The Architect), the new kid on the scene whoacts as the audience's window into this practice of inception. Once theintroductory details are dealt with, however, her character is quicklydeveloped into one that has great impact on the mission at hand. Sheadapts very smoothly in a role that couldn't be more different to herbreakout role in Juno, showing exceptional versatility and a promisingcareer in the future.Initially, I was reluctant to give this film the score I did because ofa lapse in the dialogue department for most of the first hour. However,in retrospect, this aspect alone should not warrant a drop in the scoreconsidering there was no appropriate alternative available to thefilmmakers at that point. This minor gripe of mine is swiftly swallowedup in a parallel world of grand cinematography, engaging plot andmental manipulation of the highest degree. You'll never look back onyour dreams the same way again.*There's nothing I love more than a bit of feedback, good or bad. Sodrop me a line on jnatsis@iprimus.com.au and let me know what youthought of my review.*

feritciva

(2012-04-04 20:17:01)

Which dream are you in?

This is one of the best films I've seen for some time... and yes, thisis quite some time as the cinema seems to lost its soul - just astoday's music.This movie can be seen as a collage of some best popular culture moviesas The Matrix, eXistenZ, 13th Floor, The Cell, even Ocean's 11! But italso has a unique originality.One of the most interesting things to observe is seeing how differentreactions are given to the movie. Pay attention to the ones who hatedthe film; all their review are shouting as "I am soo intelligent andcomplicated and so above everybody else that, I hated this movie andshame on morons who liked this crap". So, here's a hypothesis; thismovie can be used as an indicator to understand the "ego :intelligence" ratio of a person. Once you hear a person say "oh I hatedInception, so poor script, so bad movie blahblahblah", run like hell!Probably the ego is seriously inflated and the existence is stuck inhis/her "brilliant" mind like forever.For others - who really liked the movie, saw how many levels this moviereally has - this is a gem worth to watch couple of times. In the endall of us are free to choose the dream we're stuck in - and here's theannoying truth; yes, we're all stuck somewhere.

Mark Quinn

(2012-04-04 02:34:37)

Summer BLOCKBUSTER!!!

Christopher Nolan is one director who has never failed to deliver & hislatest film, Inception is no different. With this he has created amonumental & thoroughly original piece of cinema that not onlyentertains but makes you think, something that modern blockbusters havefailed to do time & time again (e.g. Avatar, Transformers, Clash Of TheTitans).Leonardo DiCaprio leads a sublime ensemble cast that includes some oftoday's biggest & brightest stars and a true legend in Michael Caine,while Leo himself delivers arguably his greatest performance yet.The film looks & feels stunning!! The visuals are top-notch, the filmsounds suitably tense while Hanz Zimmer's score only adds to theatmosphere. The script is (as you would expect) brilliant, remainingcomplex but relatively easy to follow & Nolan has once again stayedclear of conventional narrative to heighten the film's complexities.This is a true original & just goes to show everyone that blockbusterscan be intellectually challenging whilst remaining hugely enjoyable. Asa result, one can't help but want more from a standout film in a yearthat surely has more to offer than it has produced thus far. A newdimension of boundary-breaking has just been created by the new Kubrick/ Hitchcock of film.

phatworld

(2012-04-03 08:24:20)

Great movie or Greatest movie

Inception is one of the most amazing movies ever created. It's anenveloping epic with so many layers it's hard to imagine it is anintense action movie. I give this movie such high marks because it isso intense throughout, igneous and unique. The visual effects andchoices of slow motion shots beat the crap out of 3D movies. The plotdid at times seemed forced in order to further, but being one of themost complex stories fairly easy to follow without making it full ofholes is something of an amazement. There was a scene where a charactersharply looks at another character with the camera in first person; theguy next to us jumped so much he threw his popcorn. The movie had somany white knuckle moments I felt juiced and exhausted afterward. Ioften think movies are too expensive, this one was a bargain, I wouldhave paid double. They really worked hard on this story and effects;the preview doesn't do this movie justice.

Goran Mirkovic

(2012-04-02 19:21:48)

Perfection!

First of all, this movie is insanely brilliant, it totally lived up tothe hype. "What is the most resilient parasite? An Idea!" I couldn'tagree more! Chris Nolan once again shared his wonderful and brilliantimagination and gave something much more than a summer blockbuster,this is truly an instant classic and deserves the highest respect.First of all, I couldn't believe that thus was a "one man project", theman wrote, directed and shot and post produced the damn thing, all byhis self...and on such a high level....simply mind blowing! The scriptis so well written, so original, so amusing, doesn't have any holesinto it...the direction is perfect, the cast, on top with Leo DiCaprio, who is, let's face it, a "hall of fame actor", it totallydelivers! There is never a dull moment, the 2:30 hours pass likeminutes, your jaw never has the time to picks itself up, you'reconstantly exploited to the pure genius of film-making, scenes thatwill never leave your head, and keep you replaying them in your mind onthe way home...There is only one word to describe the cinematography,the set designs and the special effects, and that is Exceptional! Youdon't just watch the scenes happening, you feel them. The movie is areal blast. The action scenes are well presented and done toperfection, and the music by Hans Zimmer is totally haunting. In thewhole movie there's never a chance to move your eyes from the screen,cause it has so much layers, so much going on.. Do yourself a favor,don't wait to watch Nolan's perfect movie, pay the ticket and see it inthe theater and have your mind blown away in style....

Rehan Ulhaq

(2012-03-25 01:43:37)

If u have a secret please do not fall asleep !!

This is one of the best movies i have ever come across. I am a truemovie geek and love to compare directors. Chris Nolan is one of myfavourites. After movies like memento,dark knight,prestige Nolan hastaken it even one step further if ever that were possible. The movie isalmost perfect if not it, the story line is so well written that youcant take your eyes off the movie even for a second. Learnardo was ithis absolute best. The casting is absolutely amazing, every1 involvedin the movie is as if he/she was born for the respective part. Nolantrademarks are very apparent in the movie. As the movie runs along youbecome more and more involved, surprisingly fiction seems real. Eventhe effects in the movie are marvellous. All in all i will say this isa must watch movie. Any one who has not seen this has deprived himselfof a true masterpiece !!

aaron esmonde

(2012-03-24 10:16:57)

Flawed modern sci-fi at its best

Leonardo DiCaprio is Cobb is a skilled thief in the dangerous art ofextraction, stealing valuable secrets from a marks subconscious duringtheir dream state. However, hung up on his personal past he puts histeam in peril in his last most difficult job.A fantastic yet flawed premise, only let down by a need to give theaudience too much repeated exposition about Cobb's Children.Inception is a great blend of emotional drama and action, which is moregrounded than the likes of 1999's Matrix and Thirteeth Floor,Christopher Nolan delivers a clever special effects extravaganza, withslick visuals that are used to enhance the story.The casting is excellent, with wealth of talent including CillianMurphy, Tom Berenger, Pete Postlethwaite and Sir Michael Caine wholight up the screen in the exceptional crafted scenes. JosephGordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy are superb in pivotal supporting roles.Leonardo DiCaprio is more than adequate, although their are distractingsimilarities reminiscent of his troubled character Teddy Daniels inShutter Island (2010), this aside he gives a fine performance. AlthoughEllen Page is given little character development she delivers and isperfect in the limited role.This is modern sci-fi at its best, entertaining and thoughtful fun withan seminal sub plot that sets it apart.

eschetic-2

(2012-03-16 09:27:39)

Elegantly plotted sci-fi / caper film - REQUIRES full attention

I actually got to a movie yesterday - the second or third in over ayear at these prices ($12.95 for a MatinГѓВ©e in Manhattan!!!) and thefirst that actually gave its full money's worth - something calledINCEPTION with nicely understated work (in a very overstated movie)from Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt guided by the wellpromoted director, Christopher Nolan, of one of those awful Batmanfilms, DARK KNIGHT. This was MUCH better for broader (ie. older)audiences. As a writer, Nolan has come up with a far subtler, betterdeveloped idea than the oft cited by younger viewers MATRIX films, andall in a single satisfying work.A lot of print critics, while raving about the new film, said it was"hard to follow" (it's a science fiction/caper film riffing on themesfirst well touched on in DREAMSCAPE and PAYCHECK, ramping the conceptup several levels by taking the characters and the audience down threeor four levels within the guided dream/subconsciousness of the "mark")but I'm not sure I'd trust the mental facilities of anyone who can'tfollow it. It's most elegantly laid out if you have affection for thescience fiction or caper film genres and the wit to pay attention.It would be easy to want to resist anything this heavily designed withsuch spectacular CGI effects (Paris folded over on itself, a freighttrain turning up in the middle of a busy street or a hotel suddenlygoing weightless) just because of those effects, but Nolan for the mostpart keeps the mood and lighting light and even better, explains therules of his created worlds with meticulous care - and even calls hischaracters when they violate the standards they have laid out (DiCapriohas a complex back story revealed at the perfect pace through themovie). It makes for a thrill ride for those who do pay attention andgive themselves over to the fantasy. INCEPTION will almost certainlyhave its greatest impact on the big screen where the viewers can losethemselves along with the characters in the visuals, but the plottingis so elegant, I suspect it will still work in the inevitable videorelease.The film is not flawless. The third level of mountain-top/dreamscape"security" displays a certain failure of imagination and, whileexciting in a James Bond reminiscent way, isn't entirely worthy of theother levels of the puzzle. Further, the film DOES require the fullattention of the audience to catch all the meticulously placed cluesand explanations - especially in the opening which pays off fully nearthe end and the justification of the "good guy" nature of the corecaper which is all too briefly dropped in mid-film. Stick aroundthrough the credits for a full throated playing of the Piaf song usedso subtly and well in the film - there's one final audio trick that's aperfect coda to the film.Still, it's all there and the film is legitimately a thinking person'sextravaganza. A sci-fi/caper film which challenges the giddy, TerryGilliam heights of a BARON MUNCHAUSEN visually and blissfully succeeds.Don't bother with it if you're sleep deprived or have no patience forpuzzles, but if you like a good caper film (like the non-sci-fi JosephL. Mankiewicz HONEY POT or any of the more recent OCEAN'S... films) andare willing to be challenged, this is a great summer treat.

pravben-1

(2012-03-15 17:04:46)

What on earth was this?

If you want to be counted as smart, brilliant,geek and possessing IQgreater than 140. What do you do? Very simple, praise this movie. SinceI do not have any complexes and as I prefer to be considered an averageJoe I am going to be very blunt. As an average Joe my verdict this thatthis is one of the most boring movies I have seen in my life. The movieis all about dreams and the subconscious mind. Do not know if ChrisNolan borrowed his idea from Avatar. In that movie too an alternatepersonality travels into a make believe world-a distant planet. Dittofor Inception except that here the travels are made in our good oldplanet earth. Like Ellen Page who plays the character Ariadne who asksis this reality ?or a dream or whose subconscious mind are we going totravel in? We, the audience too is confused as to which sequence isreal and which constitutes a dream. Was it really necessary forChristopher Nolan to create such a complicated maze( bordering onschizoid) of a movie so that a man can understand his dad's love.Marion Cottilard who plays Mal dies six or seven times. When does shereally die? Reality, Illusion, dream, subconscious,nightmare have allbeen jumbled together to create a matrix seeming Confusion calledInception. Recommendation: Avoid this movie like the plague.

Married

(2012-03-11 10:18:08)

Booooring

This movie was an embarassment. I brought my friends and relatives to it based on the trailer and reviews. We kept looking at each other wondering when this thing would end. The plot: dull dull dull. The acting: even duller. The writing: let go of your own ego and try to write something that others will actually find some entertainment value in. I doubt this movie will be staying in theatres longer than another week. Half the people in the theatre left out of boredom and the other half fell asleep.

Boris Karpov

(2012-03-11 01:42:31)

Christopher Nolan can make me sleepy like no other director

Wow! Another super overrated movie from the guy who brought us the DarkKnight. And of course its totally overrated. After watching like 5minutes you can tell this movie is going to awfully boring. The storymay be interesting and the effects up to date but the movie is stillnot worth a watch. How can this have so many good reviews and anaverage rating of 9,1?? Were we watching the same movie? Leonardo diCaprio playing himself as usual, Christopher Nolan directing likesomebody with an IQ of 2 and the rest is Hollywood plastic. So whoeverhas some brain in his head should be wondering how someone can possibleenjoy such a boring movie.

(2012-03-06 19:35:33)

Lush, thrilling, and groundbreaking

I admit it - I wanted this movie to be awesome. As a whole, I have been unimpressed with movies lately, and I saw this as almost a last-gasp effort to be truly impressed with cinema again. Then, Inception came along.As a film major in college, this was the type of movie that we all wanted (and still want) to achieve someday - a truly fascinating movie that is as much a feast for the eyes as much as it is a puzzle for the mind. The story revolves around Cobb (excellently articulated by Leonardo DiCaprio), and his team of unusual characters who make a living by extracting the secrets of high-powered people, which they they are usually tasked to do by a competitor. Until now, they have focused primarily on extracting secrets. But then, a client has a tall order - can they actually plant an idea into another's mind? The story unfolds brilliantly from then on, twisting and turning and throwing in loopholes left and right, forcing you to do mental acrobatics.Any review of Inception would be incomplete if it didn't also mention the visuals of the film. In short, they are nothing less than breathtaking. For me, I am often drawn out of the moment of a film by wondering "how did they do that?" or thinking "wow, this CGI is horrible." There was little to no moments for me like that in this movie - I was completely engrossed the entire time, and the computer graphics (what there is of them) blend seamlessly into the rest of the film.While I know that The Dark Knight made a bigger box office draw (thus far), I believe that this will be known as Christopher Nolan's masterpiece. He truly creates a different world for the viewer. Plus, if the last five to ten seconds of the film aren't a conversation starter, then I don't know what is. Highly recommended.

frog_16

(2012-03-06 09:43:30)

Good flick, but I didn't buy into everything

Caution, spoilers below:What bothered me initially about the film was that the dreams justdidn't seem very dream-like. Most of the dreams were too detailed andclear, and seemed too strict in following the logical patterns the filmset for them. Most of the dreams lacked the surreal touches, the dreamyfuzziness as portrayed in other much simpler films like "Dreamscape". Also some important rules followed by the 'induced' dreams of the filmappear to only apply to those types of dreams and not to naturaldreams... I know this may seem obvious but I think the filmunnecessarily blurred the line between the 'nature' of the induced andnatural dreams leading to some confusion. Another thing I had a lot of trouble buying into was that thecharacters involved in multi-layered dreams left behind some sort of'ethereal' bodies asleep at the lower dream levels. In other words, when their minds move on to another dream level I seeno logical reason why they would be leaving behind some bizarredream-sleep bodies at the lower levels. They might DREAM that they are waking up from one level to the next butto say that they actually leave behind some sort of sleeping dream-bodyseems silly to me. e.g. I can go along with the idea that the 'Chemist' might experiencethe others as being in a drug induced sleep while he's driving the vanduring that wild chase scene. But why would the others have anydependency-on the Chemist's perception of their sleeping bodies at thelower dream level? One aspect of the film I liked a lot is that there are hints now andthen that we are still actually watching a dream when the charactersare supposedly awake... Didn't the Cobb character say there was a danger in composing a dreamtoo close to your real-life because you could no longer distinguishbetween the two?