Great Concept, Decent Execution

Rating: 7/10 (11 March 2017)

This film features one of the most innovative concepts of all-time, that of "dreams within dreams" and similar fare. But is it a classic? Not quite, due to some "can't quite put my finger on it" lack of overall execution.
For a basic plot summary, "Inception" deals in the world of shared dreams, in which individuals (while asleep) can enter the dream of another and insert/extract information. When an "inception" team (led by Leonardo DiCaprio) is put together for an especially difficult assignment, they must go deeper into the mark's head than ever before.
In terms of grandiose ideas, "Inception" is truly a mind-boggling concept that will intrigue you right from the get-go. The visual effects are spectacular and innovative, while the whole scope of the movie is often staggering.
Here's the "problem", though: This isn't a movie that will stick with me for any prolonged period of time (and thus makes me unable to give it five stars). The plot execution and character development just left a little too much to be desired in sacrifice to the ideas. I can't quite put my finger on it, but (besides the incredible science fiction", "Inception" just isn't an all-time classic.
Thus, while an entertaining watch, I rank "Inception" well below "The Matrix" (very similar concepts) and about on par with "Shutter Island". Enjoy it far what it is, but don't expect it to be the greatest movie you've ever seen.