You have to THINK when you watch this one. That's it.

Rating: 10/10 (25 February 2009)

I'm not going to pad this review full of praise for the film (if you're reading this you've probably heard it all).
No, I'm going to tell you that depending on the type of person you are, you will either believe that you've just witnessed one of the greatest transcendent pieces of cinema ever, or the most trippy head-scratching bore of your life.
While I side firmly with the former, I do understand the position of the latter. The movie dwells on shots a little (or a lot, depending on your age) longer than most are used to, of what little dialogue there is most of it is given to a computer, and that's a good thing because all the humans are one note bores (psst..they're supposed to be), and what's up with that ending? Come to think of it, what's up with that opening? I really understand why there are people who don't get it. And here's WHY:
2001 is one of few films that: (A) Were made with the intention to require you to THINK, no wait... downright contemplate what you're watching as you're watching it. (B) Also have an ambiguous ending.(Doesn't make sense of itself at the end) (C) Are actually successful at both A and B. (D) Are sufficiently well known enough that you're reading this right now, despite A and B. (Other examples, Let's see: Blade Runner, Twelve Monkeys, The Fountain, Donnie Darko, Pi, Cube, Primer..wait now I'm getting indie, see what I mean?)
That's the deal. There is absolutely ZERO spoon-feeding here. In fact there's is no spoon (HA sub-conscious Matrix reference!). However, let me disagree with some lovers of 2001 by saying that you are not an idiot if you don't get it. Most people watch entertainment passively, to relax. And they don't want to ponder the mysteries of the universe after a long day. Makes sense.
However, all of that still doesn't make the film anything less than a brilliant masterpiece. This film deserves your respect despite your dislike, because that's the truth.