Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Of course!
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 169 minutes (~2.75 hours)
“Interstellar” is a science fiction epic that about a group of astronauts who are humanity’s last hope. Faced with Earth’s imminent demise, these astronauts set out in search of a new world to live on – only to find that the answer lies closer to home than expected. It stars Matthew McConaughey (Cooper), Anne Hathaway (Amelia Brand), Michael Caine (Professor Brand), John Lithgow (Donald), Matt Damon (Dr Mann), and Topher Grace (Getty).
“Interstellar” is not so much a science fiction movie as it is a parable of human nature presented in the guise of modern fantasy. It draws on almost every familiar space trope without being cliched, to bring us on an exploration of outer space and human nature. With the fate of the human race on the shoulders as well as the chance to see their families again, the stakes for the main characters are grand but personal.
So why should you watch “Interstellar?”
An excellent performance by Matthew McConaughey
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting McConaughey to carry this show at all. It felt like Michael Caine would do all the heavy lifting of grounding the show with solid characterisation. Yet I was pleasantly surprised by McConaughey’s performance as the father who has to make the harsh choice between living his dream (and saving humanity) and being the parent that his daughter yearns for. Despite putting the world first, it is ultimately his love for his daughter that saves mankind, anchoring monumental stakes in the most basic of relationships.
Engaging special effects and art direction
The special effects, especially on an IMAX screen, really enhance the scope of the journey they’re on. All the outer space travel effects immerse you in the feeling of a roller coaster ride, and are judiciously used to maintain the realism of film. The depiction of the inside of a black hole was also one of the most inspired visuals of the film. A lesser director would have gone overboard with the special effects, but here they only add to the feel of the movie.
Well executed concept
It’s an interesting concept, and as mentioned it plays with all the familiar conventions of space travel – aging slower the faster you travel, the mystery of entering a black hole, crossing worm holes to cover great distances, and colonising other planets for humanity. It’s done thoughtfully and intelligently, and helps to create a believable world that still satisfies the science fiction appetite in you.
Depiction of human nature
Human nature is the reason why the expedition is doomed to failure, yet it is also the key to its survival. “Interstellar” provides an insightful look at how even the greatest intellectuals have fallen prey to the simplest emotions, as espoused by both Dr Mann and Professor Brand. Yet it is because of this most universal of human emotions, love, that Cooper ultimately succeeds on his mission.
Despite its many highlights, “Interstellar” does have some areas of improvement.
An agonisingly slow beginning
Being an almost three hour long film, “Interstellar” really takes its time to introduce you to its main characters. The problem is that it keeps feeding you more information about the characters long after you’ve drifted off into boredom. Fortunately, it picks up the pace once the action shifts into space.
Professor Brand’s last lines are indecipherable
In his final scene, Professor Brand utters several words that are critical to your understanding of the film, as it brings about a fresh revelation that casts the entire expedition in new light. From the reaction of the characters and their dialogue, you know that this is a game changing twist.
The problem is, the line is so badly mumbled (for a good reason, as its in character) that you can’t make out what is said, forcing you to infer his last words while knowing that it’s vital to the plot of the show. It loses its impact, and it would have been more effective let him speak audibly and sacrifice some believability in the scene.
Despite being set in the grandest of locations, “Interstellar” still provides us with a very human, very understandable conflict at its core. Although it might be an epic tale of mankind’s survival, it is still grounded in one man’s love for his daughter. And what emotion is stronger than a parent’s love for his child?
“Interstellar” opens in cinemas 6 November, 2014 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Movies Singapore.
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