The most amazing sci-fi movie of all time

Rating: 10/10 (9 June 2007)

Even in a world full of "Independence Day"s and "Star Wars" flicks, the special effects of "2001" are still inferior to none. However, the effects of "2001" are not the only mind-blowing element, thanks to a top-notch director, an astounding story, and a small but wondrous lead cast.
The stars in front of the cameras may seem to be Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood as the bold Jupiter astronauts, but the real stars of the show are two inanimate objects: ultra-logical computer HAL-9000 ("whom... one addresses as Hal") and the ultra-enigmatic black monoliths scattered throughout our solar system. Stanley Kubrick rightfully favors a cerebral style over cheap mile-a-minute thrills, even though there comes a time late in the film when thrills do come around. The reason it's so good is that the thriller element never overpowers the drama, the sense of discovery, or the general legitimacy of the film's artistic capacity. Kubrick's use of classical music instead of an original score doesn't hurt, either (this is the only time I could ever actually listen to any of "The Blue Danube").
The most awesome scene ever captured on film is the earth-shattering climactic sequence when man first meets something truly bigger than himself, a nonstop barrage of incredible sounds and colorful sights that still can't top the rest of the film in general. I don't know how else to explain it-- "2001" is spectacular entertainment at its best.