OverRated

Rating: 5/10 (21 August 2010)

Inception is, simply, overrated. It defies the long standing approach of show don't tell; of course it must tell, otherwise, the viewer would be even more lost. And of course, when it comes to action, it is all show just like any good action movie. In fact, Inception is nothing but an action movie wrapped in some philosophical stuff about dreams. There is, of course, real ingenuity in some of the action scenes especially those place in a zero gravity situation. Nolan was simply lucky in having an action movie released during a time when there wasn't really much competition and audiences were clearly hungry for something better. Nolan was even luckier having Hans Zimmer for Mr. Zimmer keeps suspense alive during the many long scenes of exposition. The real theatrical breakthrough lies in the film's using the telling part (hugely aided by Hans' music) to sustain interest and some suspense which are then fulfilled in the showing part. It is quite amazing that the film did so well at the BO; there are really no characters to sympathize with or to particularly care about. As to plot, the payoff for the many pangs of Cobb's conscience is indeed worthwhile. While many seem to think the film will have considerable longevity, it will fade quite quickly when considered outside of its lucky time slot.