doesn't go out with a bang but still entertains

Rating: Null/10 (9 November 2014)

Having made his mark in cerebral explorations and superhero adventures, director Nolan takes his unique talents to sci-fi odyssey in this gripping and thought-provoking story of hope, survival, and love. In an unspecified future, Earth has become an agrarian society without formal government structure and little time left to sustain human life. McConaughey is a former NASA test pilot-turned-farmer and father of two who becomes the "chosen one" to lead an expedition to the edge of Saturn when a wormhole is discovered that could be the key to finding the next habitable planet. Even with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, he's given the nearly impossible choice of saving the world or saving his own family. With a director of Nolan's ambition at work you know there'll be plenty to take in as the film boasts a compelling story, marvelous visual effects, enthralling action scenes, and the sheer strength of the human spirit; if only it didn't turn overly sentimental and revert to convention in its final act. McConaughey gives a passionate, emotionally-charged performance-one of his very best, and Chastain is also riveting as his headstrong, determined daughter; their powerful performances, along with the aid of a well-chosen supporting cast, help overcome any sloppy, melodramatic storytelling. ***