Great, but close to greater

Rating: 9/10 (30 December 2014)

I have now seen Interstellar twice, and I'm fully convinced that it's one of the very best films in many years. So many things about it are perfect, such as the score, the casting and the visuals. The story is also well thought out the emotional punch it packs is unlike any I've experienced at the movies in a very long time. In fact, I can't name the last film that made me feel such a way.
The relationship between Coop and Murph is so profound that it makes the entire film tick, and it is that relationship which launches Interstellar past some of the very best space films ever. In fact, it may be my favorite of the genre. It's a bold statement, but I believe it to be a more complete film than 2001, simply based upon the human connection aspect. Some of the plot is so ludicrous that it could have been lost on the viewer, but it's handled in such a way that we easily accept the setup and allow Nolan to take us where he wants to take us.
Unfortunately, I feel that what separates this film from the very best is a slightly botched ending. Nolan sets up a sensational, breathtaking climax which should have confirmed Interstellar as a masterpiece, but it's rather undone by the denouement. It felt as if everything that had been established and promised in the previous 2 and a half hours was suddenly corrupted. I doubt this is the case, but it almost feels as if the studio may have had a slight impact on that section of the film. It is not fatal, but harmful. The film is not a lot worse off because of this flaw, but it doesn't reach the heights it could've if the final act was handled differently.
Thankfully, there was enough before the ending movement to deliver stunning moments which affected my emotions in the aforementioned way. The strength of Interstellar is the human component, as I cared for these characters more than I ever would have expected sitting in that theater.