There’s a brand new blockbuster movie out that just opened in theaters across the country, and it’s one that you might not want to miss. Interstellar is the story of an Earthbound man who is given a second chance at life in space. To be more specific, the film is the story of an elderly man (played by the always amazing Matthew McConaughey) who is visited by four diverse alien species, each one offering him a different solution to fix his broken life aboard a dying spaceship.
As fascinating as the story is, there’s just one thing that might stop you from sitting through the whole thing: the movie is absolutely insane. From the very first frame to the last, you will never know what’s going to happen next, and that’s exactly what makes it such an exciting and refreshing film.
But more importantly, when your favorite movie reviewer is analyzing one of the greatest films of all time, you know you’re in for a real treat.
The Goods
Let’s start off with the good stuff. First and foremost, the special effects are absolutely mind-blowing. Even those who are familiar with practical effects that are done with doubles and green screens will be amazed by the level of detail and realism that went into creating these creatures and environments. You may be familiar with some of the creatures from the film, like the sleek, silver-suited Guinan (played by Anne Hathaway) or the massive and somewhat goofy Kip (played by Michael Caine), but even their look was meticulously designed to be as realistic as possible.
The sets and locations are breathtaking as well. From the desolate landscapes of Earth to the lush and beautiful planet of the Vogons (which, by the way, looks just like the classic video game Space Quest), no scene was ever blocked off or over-designed to look grandiose. It’s truly an otherworldly experience watching this movie, and that’s precisely what makes it such an exciting film. The sound design is also excellent; Hans Zimmer’s magnificent score perfectly complements the imagery on screen, and the sound effects are some of the best in recent memory as well. If you haven’t heard of Hans Zimmer, you might know that he’s the Oscar-winning composer for such classics as Gladiator and The Lion King, and Interstellar is the culmination of everything he’s learned over the years.
The Bad
Now for the not so good stuff. First off, I’m sure that many of you were hoping that this would be a movie about a group of interstellar pioneers who save the universe or at least lead the way for us lesser creatures. Unfortunately, that’s not what it’s about. For the most part, the story is rather conventional and while there are some thrilling moments, it mostly plays out like a classic space opera with an emphasis on humor.
If you’re looking for a movie with a message about humanity’s place in the universe or the value of scientific discovery, you might be disappointed. While there are a few heartfelt speeches and a number of lessons to be learned, it’s not really a message movie. It feels more like a celebration of science and exploration, and that’s exactly what it’s named.
So while there are some definite perks to watching this film, you may not want to go into it unprepared. Not that there’s anything wrong with the film; it’s just that you might not know what to expect. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s a bit different from what you signed up for when you decided to see it.
Overall
To conclude, let’s take a few moments to discuss the wonderful world of cinema and the exciting career that awaits you as a movie reviewer. As we’ve established, Interstellar is a phenomenal film, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s for everyone. The effects are amazing and the performances are first-rate, but the storyline definitely won’t appeal to everyone.
If you’re a big fan of the sci-fi genre, however, then this is one film that you cannot miss. While the subject matter might frighten some people, others will find that it stirs their passions and encourages them to think about the great mysteries of life and the universe. So while Interstellar is not for everyone, it’s for almost everyone, and that’s something to celebrate.