Not the movie you think it is!

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2010)

I went into this film expecting a sci-fi/thriller concept film ala "The Matrix". And although this film's pseudo-science and visual spectacle initially reaffirm this expectation, the end result ends up having more in common with "The Sting" than anything sci-fi.
The performances are all very strong, especially Tom Hardy as a Brit-grunge spy. The direction is tight and the screenplay completes all the necessary plot points by the film's end--even if the plot seems incomprehensible at times. The production values; from the costumes, the international locations, the lush and sometimes bleak sets and the over-top special effects are all near perfection. But wrapped up inside this gloriously grandiose package is a nice little con-game film.
Basically a bunch of guys conspire through elaborate means to convince someone of something that isn't and make sure the get-away is clean. The fact that it all takes place in one's dreams is the sweetness in the cake. And, of course, the audience is engagingly left to sort through the various actions, motives, and sub-plots to find order in the chaos.
Christopher Nolan has already proved his chops with high-concept films like "Memento" and "The Prestige" so it's really no surprise that this big-budget film is a success. Thankfully the more bankable "Batman" films have given his ideas room to breathe and every extra penny shows on the screen.
Now the little issues. First--Cillian Murphy's character, the 'mark', is an unworthy opponent. He provides almost no challenge to the characters and their scheme. This leaves a film without an antagonist. Leading to my second problem--the only obstacles to these characters is the baggage they themselves bring to the various tasks at hand, particularly Leonardo DiCaprio's Cobb. It makes the entire film more a study on his neurosis than any real challenge presented by the story. Not to say there isn't any conflict resolution, there is in perfect things-gone-awry fashion. Just that Cobb and his merry men could've gone to group therapy instead?!
Overcome these small issues and sit back and enjoy the ride. This film is the best of it's kind since "The Sting".