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Rating: 10/10 (24 April 2012)

IMDb Top 250: 88
I don't think it would be fair to 2001: A Space Odyssey to write down my thoughts before formulating a review as I usually do. 2001 is such an expressive film that to do anything but just let the words come out would go against its existence.
Evolution is the plot of A Space Odyssey. Told in distinct movements, we first see the moment when ape turned into man. Jump to space exploration, where we aren't quite yet: and finally, the future, well outside our hand or mind's grasp. Only one of these movements has a true "plot", and I'm sure you know what it is.
2001 is slow. Ice melting slow. Dialogue is sparse, action almost non- existent. Only when each segment is done can you begin to understand it, and only after the final conclusion, if you can call it that, can one even begin to try and piece together the meaning. But that is the ultimate reward: a truly thought provoking film, one of the greatest of all time, one of the most influential pieces of culture and one of the most notable contributions of film.
Visually there will never be another film like this. Everything is real, or at least not computer generated. But everything looks so convincing. The ships in space, the planets reflecting light, the sun, the ape people, the magnificent space station sets- I have no clue how this film was made. I can't even begin to guess.But 'awe inspiring' is certainly a characteristic of this extraordinarily futuristic space epic.
But 2001 isn't content to just be a feast for the eyes, it's also a unique treat for the ears. Music is exclusively classical, led by the iconic Also Sprach Zarathustra. Dialogue is minimal, as well as sound effects: there's no sound in space (the scientific accuracy is remarkable). The film is bookended by 25 minutes of dialogue free enlightenment.
The acting is not legendary, but is exactly what it needs to be: a medium for a directors vision. Of course there's HAL, a prime example of the dangers of dependency and legendary villain. Anyone who likes Portal knows where the influence is from. But Kubrick is the true star: some films are great no matter who runs them, but 2001 is entirely Stanley's project and fittingly his (arguably) crowning achievement.
What does it all mean? I don't know. I won't pretend to know its true intent. I don't think it has one. It all depends on what you believe. What I got out of it is that we are in a race with ourselves to find our role in the universe, and with the uncertainty of alien life we can't be sure where the finish line is. Also, care must be taken with machines or anything else we don't understand. It's also an examination of our species thus far, as well as an educated and psychedelic look into our future. Little things will come up, and I've already used 2001 as a basis for certain beliefs I hold that are totally irrelevant to the film. You will think something different, but the fact that so much thought can come from 2 and a half hours of fiction is astounding.
One of the great uses of film as a medium, in every sense. 9.5/10