Interstellar - Nearly Stellar

Rating: 8/10 (10 November 2014)

If there is one thing that needs to be said about Interstellar it is thisTiny but Massive. There is simply no question that Interstellar is a hugely ambitious film, and similarly there is no question that it is at once an awe inspiring adventure that is epic whilst at the same time remaining poignantly personal. There is also very little question that, a little bit like the wormholes that are described in its plot, on occasions it folds in on itself causing it to fall strangely flat.
Although not a perfect movie and slightly baggy in parts it has to be admired for its sheer scope and vision. Although certain sections make little to no sense (I'm looking at you, the final 20 minutes) and although the film feels too determined at points to resolve everything it has lain out, you will forgive it these minor shortcomings (and they are minor in the grand scheme of the picture) due to its 100 % commitment to the story and the films overall class. It is, despite many critical quibbles, very well scripted for a sci-fi movie, insanely well-paced despite its near 3 hour running time and disgracefully beautiful to watch. The films score is, if a little biblical at times and therefore worldly, pretty sexy too.
Matthew McConaughey puts in a very decent performance considering the sheer scope of his role and the supporting cast is pretty impressive too, although I do feel that Michael Caine's consistent turn in Nolan movies breaks the wall slightly. Thematically the film is about life, recreation and relationships and I felt for a film with no traditional style 'love' interests the visual reinforcement of sex and togetherness in the way that the a lot of the machinery works on the spacecraft (struggling to insert and connect) was nothing short of spectacular. It is here where the film is at its strongest – visually. The simplicity of certain sections are somewhat ruined by the over complicated ending that, when broken down is frustrating and amounts to very little.
All in all however it is films like this that the cinema was made for and although it will naturally be compared to other Nolan films and of course, 2001 & last years Gravity, it is on its own terms that Interstellar works best. These terms are simpleout of this world.