Saturday, July 17, 2010

Movie Review - Inception


This movie will raise your expectations of what a real movie experience should be on every level imaginable.

The basic premise follows a group who extracts secrets from the subconscious mind through dreams. They are hired to do the impossible - inception, the planting of an idea.

This movie is similar to Nolan’s Memento - layers upon layers upon layers of precise detail. The complexity of this movie is incredible. Similar to the concept of inception, Nolan started with an idea and built this film’s world from that point. It’s an ever-widening circle of intricate beliefs and thoughts, like the rings of an onion.

This is not an action-packed, special effects extravaganza. The scenes from the previews are not the images that will stick with you, either. Nolan excels at taking a single moment in time and cranking the tension and expectation almost to the breaking point. These solitary images will haunt you long after the film has ended.

The actors do a superb job in their roles and there are secrets locked within those characters as well.

As with Memento, you cannot leave your brain at the door. Inception will force you to think, wrapping your brain around deep and complex concepts. Some people will leave the theater not understanding what they’ve just witnessed. (Judging from the content of the very few negative reviews, those reviewers simply did not get it.) Nolan stands alone as a director with a singular vision no one else shares. He’s a truly unique artist in his craft.

I am running out of superlatives just trying to describe this film! I wish my writing was on par with his directing. (I think everyone will walk out wishing they could do anything as well as Nolan!) So, to conclude this review…

In a summer of simple movies and vapid disappointments, Inception shines with brilliance. Best movies of the summer? No - best movie of the year!!!
.
And if you missed my book trailer, see the post below this one. I am thrilled with what my publisher created for CassaStar - it's my own little movie!

54 comments:

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I'm glad to hear you give it a thumbs up. It is on my list to watch and I am excited to see it.

I watched your trailer yesterday, but when I tried to comment it wouldn't go through, so I gave up. Your trailer is great. It definitely makes me want to read your book.

Teresa

Belbin9 said...

Can't wait, going to see that movie tonight. Heard so many good reviews about it, that it just blows my mind.

Talli Roland said...

I really like Memento, so this sounds like something I'd enjoy, too.

Congrats again on the trailer. FAB!

Mason Canyon said...

I enjoy movies that made you think. This one sounds like I'd enjoy it. Thanks for the review.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

J. Woman, thanks. Blogger's been funny about comments this week.

Everyone, go see Inception!

Summer Frey said...

I can't wait to see Inception! It's been top of my list since I saw the first preview.

j.m. neeb said...

So... you're saying I should just wait until this comes out on video or they play it on TNT, right?

Just kidding. We are actually planning on seeing it this weekend. I'm a huge Nolan fan, and have been since seeing Memento.

I am quite glad to hear that it sounds like I will not leave disappointed!! :)

B. WHITTINGTON said...

Alex,
I could not view the trailer for Cassastar. (Older laptop) It looks incredible. You have to be beside yourself with joy over this wonderful accomplishment.
I would be. Enjoy every moment of this success.

Here's to seeing our work get out to the public.

Blessings. Barb

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

jm, Inception has the same feel as Memento - you will love it.

B, did you try going to the YouTube site itself? Maybe that will help. Yeah, I'm really exited about October now. Can't believe my first book comes out in just three months!

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm glad it didn't suck. I don't know about the thinking part. I don't much like to think at movies. :) But I'll watch it anyway for the coolness factor.

Ricky said...

Great review Alex, I'm looking forward to this one.

Just saw the book trailer, it's fantastic !

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I saw it yesterday as well. Incredible movie!

Pat Tillett said...

I was planning on seeing this movie, now I'm going to for sure!
thanks!

Arlee Bird said...

This sounds like my kind of movie. This may be one that will drag me back to the theater.

Lee
Tossing It Out

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Enjoyed your review, but I enjoyed your book trailer even more,

I see Arlee has tagged you for the contents of your pockets , me too for my hand bag. that should be fun.

Thanks for the visit.
Enjoy the week-end.
Yvonne.

Kristie Cook said...

Yay!! Finally a movie to get excited about. You're right, too much fluff and many disappointments this year. Thanks for the review.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Ricky!

Lee, just drag yourself to the theater and enjoy!

Kristie, it's been a rather bland year. This movie changes everything though.

Okie said...

Mmmmm....thanks for a great review.

I'm so looking forward to this. Hoping to get out to see it in the next week or so. :)

Stephen T. McCarthy said...

ALEX ~
Major congratulations on the book deal. I wish you great success, Bro!

~ "Lonesome Dogg" McMe

DEZMOND said...

Alex, you know I don't like Nolan and that both DARK KNIGHT and MEMENTO, being cold, heartless and frigid, are on my list of worst movies I've ever seen, so today I'll just use my legal right to remain silent :))))

Glad you had a nice day at the cinema ;)

Unknown said...

First, I'm going to pretend I didn't see Dezmond's comment up there^. Nolan is an absolutely BRILLIANT director. I want to see this movie so incredibly bad. It looks fantastic and I've heard nothing but great things about it.

Glad you loved it! I'm looking forward to it even more now. Thanks!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

This one wasn't as negative as Memento, but if you don't like his style, then you won't like any of his movies, because his style marks each one.

Stephen, book deal came last year, but the trailer was released by my publisher on Wednesday.

Amanda, you will love it!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Excellent review. Although I seldom go to movies (don't have time), your review makes me want to see this one.

Thanks!
Monti
http://marymontaguesikes.blogspot.com

Helen Ginger said...

Inception's on my list to go see. Judging by your review, it will also be on my list of Blu-rays to buy so I can watch it multiple times.

Straight From Hel

RosieC said...

I've been looking forward to this one for a while. I'm glad you gave it such a stellar review. I was worried after reading some others.

Thanks!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Helen, I'm looking forward to seeing it again so I can watch for all the details.

Beth Zimmerman said...

Josiah and John went to see this Thursday night at midnight (their summer habit that is winding to an end when school starts) and Josiah said that it rocketed to the top of his *Best Movies Ever* list! :)

ediFanoB said...

I'm a bit jealous! Inception will hit the movies in Germany on July 29th. My wife and I can't wait to see.

Thanks for a great review.

Cruella Collett said...

Oh no, oh no.... I already had high expectations for this one, and now they are sky-high... If "Inception" crashes somewhere over my head, I am blaming you.. (kidding - but you did make me very excited for this movie!)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Beth, it's on my top ten list now!

Michael, sorry you have to wait, but it's only a couple weeks. Inception is worth the wait!

Cruella, my expectations were really high as well, and it still blew me away.

Anonymous said...

The more I read about Inception the more I want to see it but unfortunately it is going to have to wait for DVD because I'm back without access to the cinema for a few months.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this movie and I'm glad that someone is still making movies that can be enjoyed but still make us think.

BStearns said...

Yes, yes and yes! It was such a terrific movie! I absolutely loved it. Agree 110%, best movie of the year. On one hand its good it came out in a year of bad films, so it shines all the brighter, but if it had come out in a year with other great films, they would all be compared to it. Awesome review Alex, and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!

-Bryan
www.sff-hub.com

P.S.: Kudos to the production company for making a trailer that gives away so little of the film. Having seen it the trailer gives away next to nothing about the plot.

Cheeseboy said...

I kinda want to see this. Kinda. Now I really want to see this.

I saw Despicable Me the other day and it was hands down the best movie I have seen all year.

Hart Johnson said...

This sounds FABULOUS. I was debating seeing this and now I'm sure. Thanks for the review, Alex!

Unknown said...

Thanks for reviewing this. I saw previews last week and couldn't wait to see it. Now I know it's worth the amount, plus, it's my turn to pick a movie. hehe.

RaShelle Workman said...

Hey Alex - Glad to read your review of Inception. It looks cool and smart - glad to know it's going to live up to my expectations.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Bummer, Cassandra!

Bryan, so are so right. The previews gave away nothing. And did you know the composer was given only one opportunity to see the movie before creating the score? He said it was the greatest experience and he wishes he could only work with Nolan.

Cheeseboy, I've tempted you haven't I? Despeciable was great. Still place How to Train Your Dragon one notch higher though. But there's been so few great movies this year otherwise...

Hart, for you, Inception will rock!!!!

Everyone, this movie will exceed your expectations!

Ella said...

Love your review; Can't wait~ I don't think I am going to get there, til Wednesday, but excited to go view the "Best of the Year"!

So we will be haunted, I'm ready~

Thanks for a peek into the multi layered, mind altering magic, I hope to view soon!

Jaccstev said...

"Inception" probably better than all of the movies released this summer combined. Definitely best film of the year!!
There are only people who didn't have a taste for an original, brilliant idea who resisted to appreciate Nolan's films.

BStearns said...

Wow! I didn't know that. That is pretty awesome. And my! What a score! I think everyone involved did a fantastic job! I can't wait to see it again!

-Bryan
www.sff-hub.com

Will Burke said...

I thought it looked interesting, now you've really lit a fire under me to go see it. Time to talk my wife into a date night!

Anonymous said...

I have to watch this now - everyone is talking about it!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ellie, may you be haunted in a good way!

Jaccstev, it sets such a high standard.

Bryan, most of the effects weren't CGI, either. Nolan used sets whenever possible.

Date night, Will!

Martina Boone said...

Just saw Inception and LOVED it. Your review was spot on.

Loved the book trailer, too!

Martina

Writing Without Periods! said...

I was wondering about this movie. I'm going to go see it. Thanks,
Mary

Bossy Betty said...

Normally, I really enjoy leaving my brain at the door, for all things. I'll make an exception in this case.

Glynis Peters said...

It sounds one to watch, thanks for the review Alex.

Sarah Ahiers said...

oooh yes. it was quite excellent.

Though i would say there was enough action in it for those people who really want some (with the car chase and the break in at the hospital)

Stephanie Lorée said...

Alex - I went to see Inception on Friday. By far, the best movie I've seen this year. Nolan was able to make an incredibly engrossing movie without graphic violence, nudity, or a rash of profanities. He's proved that good writing doesn't need those things to be entertaining. An excellent film!!

Sugar said...

Glad you liked it.. I was considering watching it with hubster..but we took the kiddos to sorcerer's apprentice instead..
Maybe this week :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Betty, don't leave your brain behind!

Falen the chase scene was intense, as was the scene on the bridge.

Mesmerix, it was all those things and more!

Powdered Toast Man said...

I saw Inception at the Drive-in last night. I want to be Nolan. It was mind boggling and it made sense at the same time.

He truly is one of the very few directors/writers with original ideas.

I can't wait until the next Batman.

xoxo said...

GREAT! I wanted to go see this movie but the reviews turned me off. However I'm not one to pass up a good mind thriller. you know how often those don't come around.

Xoxo

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

xoxo, it's one of the best!