Viewed once in July 2010 in theaters
For all too many movies that are overly hyped before their release date in theaters, they are doomed before ever being viewed by the public. The average moviegoer will listen to what people say about movies, and will either A) see the film because of what people say, or B) decide that it can't possibly be good if so many people like it. Also, for many film directors who are blessed with a top-grossing movie that redefines an entire genre, their second or third films just can't possibly live up to the mammoth success that was their first blockbuster film. Impossibly high expectations are placed on the director and on the movie to be as good if not better than the film before it.
I can honestly say that Inception is a work of art, at least equal to the masterpiece that is The Dark Knight. As highly anticipated and talked-about as it is, Inception definitely does not disappoint. It is a quickly-moving, complex, and thought-provoking story--one that makes us investigate just how deep the human mind really is and ponder the meaning of true reality. It has multiple levels of story and expertly zips around a difficult storyline with original ideas and superbly acted scenes. Truthfully, Inception is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time from this genre.
Even after thinking over it for months, it's still hard to explain to other people what this movie is about. Basically, the best explanation I've found yet is from Warner Bros. Pictures themselves:
"Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible-inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move." This film deals with some pretty deep stuff which keeps you interested, intrigued, and involved in the story--because if you miss even five seconds of it, you'll be completely lost and have no idea what's going on! Even though the movie is nearly 3 hours long, it's definitely worth the time.
NEGATIVES:
>>Profanity appears a few times, but mostly consists of defaming the Lord's name and assorted profanities (a**, GD, d**n, b**tard, h***, and such). It's not enough to distract from the story, except for one or two choice uses.
>>Violence is gratuitous and found around every corner, but the majority of it is completely bloodless and involves projections of people, not real people. The people in dreams are mainly just extensions of someone's subconscious and not real--regardless, they are shot, thrown off of buildings, punched, beaten, strangled, and half-drowned. One way to wake someone up from a dream is to create the feeling that one is falling--thus, the use of knocking chairs over, rolling people out of beds, and tossing them from great heights is used often. The only time blood is seen is when two characters get shot (at different times in the film), and one begins to cough up blood. It is not really graphic and really not that violent.
>> The spiritual depth of this film is tricky. It doesn't directly implicate God or one's soul in any of the goings-on. However, the complex layers and journeys into the mind of man is inherently spiritual, even if nothing is labeled as such. Certain "levels" of dreams resemble personal hells, the horrors and awful memories resurfacing to torment all of the people involved in the same dream. It's extremely difficult to pull apart and figure out what's reality and what's not.
>> Alcohol is consumed often. Drugs are used to throw people into a deeper sleep, thus allowing them to dream more vividly and for a longer period of time. At one point we see a room full of people who are using dream-inducing drugs, and apparently they are incapable of dreaming normally without it. Drug usage doesn't come without costs, however--some characters seem to be addicted to the compounds, and other characters use it for an escape into a confusing unreality, and still other characters risk their own lives because of the presence of powerful drugs. It's never a central point of the movie, and isn't encouraged or touted as a new way. The film simply uses drugs to explain some of the mechanical possibilities of the film.
>> Sexual content makes an appearance once or twice, although we never see anything beyond a passionate kiss or two. A few female characters wear some low-cut tops and flattering dresses.
Overall, I would not recommend this film for smaller children simply because it is not meant for them. The subject matter is deeper and deals with issues such as reality, trust, drugs, nightmares, personal torment, and ethics. It's an intense and violent story which ends with a question: What is true reality?
However, I also think that this is a fantastic film that is beautifully crafted, magnificently presented, outstandingly acted, and full of ideas to chew over for quite a while. I highly recommend it. Unlike Leonardo diCaprio's other films (most of which I like but don't enjoy watching), this film is very enjoyable and I can't wait to see it again--maybe I'll understand it better! ;)
6 out of 6 stars
So that everyone (including myself) may benefit from it, please feel free to leave your own personal opinion of this film.
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