If it doesn't win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, it would've been robbed...

Rating: Null/10 (17 July 2010)

...And I'm not one of those Nolan/Dark Knight-fan-boys. This really deserves every praise it's getting. One of the most anticipated films of the year, Inception, is nothing short of spectacular. When reviews were pouring in, critics were honoring it as one of the best films of the year. My anticipation level was through the roof, and while I had my doubts, it succeeded every expectation I had.
I don't even know where to begin, everything about this film is worthy of Oscar consideration. The script written by Christopher Nolan is one of the most brilliant pieces of art ever written. It's so intelligent, thought-provoking, and completely original. I like to think that I can call myself "a writer," but after seeing Inception, no person compares to Christopher Nolan's writing here.
Christopher Nolan also directs the film with such confidence. Many think he was snubbed in 2008 for a Best Director nomination, if he's snubbed again this year (which I highly doubt), the Academy will have some explaining to do. He takes this material that was masterfully written and turns it into his remarkable vision. This is a film where so much depended on the director, and he thankfully held up his end of the deal and more.
This would be a terrifying adventure for someone who doesn't pay attention to a film always. When you view the film, pretend as if there was a quiz afterward, otherwise it's easy to get lost. Nolan moves at the right pace for this film, he just asks you to meet him half-way, which a director should ask of you. You are connected more to the film that way.
The performances are also wonderful. It's one of the best, if not the best, ensembles of the year. I got the feeling every cast member came to the set with the material in their hands ready to attack it. Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most talented actors working today and he fits Cobb to a tee. Pitching the right emotion at the right time every time. Marion Cotillard, who is always the stand-out in her films since she started starring in American films, follows the tradition here. Her character wasn't at all what I expected her to be. She's the villain figure and with that delivers a hauntingly luminous portrait of Mal (which translates to "Evil" in Latin, thank you Peter Travers). She's heart-breaking, frightening, and even charming, all in the matter of about a 20 minute performance. Ellen Page is effective as the brainy and curious girl who tries to follow in Cobb's footsteps. LeVitt gets a laugh here and there as much as he does with the dramatic scenes. Murphy steers with subtly of the brutality of being taking advantage of shortly after the death of his father.
Inception is much of a stimulation on the narrative side as it is on the technical side. The cinematography is gorgeous. The lingering sets will impress you. Heck, even the costumes match the characters well, some are even beautiful for being a contemporary piece, Mal's costumes in particular. The special effects may seem a cross with The Matrix and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but Inception stands as it's own in originality.
With that being said, Christopher Nolan does something here some directors never get close to in their entire career, delivers a near-perfect film. Inception is more than a summer blockbuster and science fiction/ action film the trailers may imply. It's a must see; a solid 10.