​FILMS

interstellar

Interstellar: (Science-fiction/Drama): 80 out of 100: This epic has been generating a lot of buzz. Some critics have mentioned the implausibility of the narrative while some enthusiasts have suggested that this is a masterpiece. Whatever the case, you must check this out to see what all the fuss is about.

If you would really like to immerse yourself, you must see this in an IMAX theatre. The movie is grand in scope and vision and the IMAX facilities sure does it justice. The sound reverberates around the auditorium causing vibrations during certain scenes while the visual effects can be fully appreciated on such a large screen. You know that the film has been designed to be seen on an IMAX screen when the director, Christopher Nolan, has used IMAX cameras to film many sequences.

One thing you can't argue with and that is Nolan is a true visionary. He has written this with his brother Jonathan and together, they have come up with some intriguing ideas related to space and time travel. Some of the themes generated might not be scientifically correct but this is science-fiction after all. It's movie entertainment and not meant to be science-fact.

The movie is not without its faults. The score by Hans Zimmer is so loud that it's occasionally difficult to hear some of the dialogue. Also, you might be lost with some of the technical jargon. You do need to concentrate otherwise you'll be completely confused, especially with the parallel universes and wormhole explanation. It is also easy to switch off during the scientific talk because it seems that the characters are trotting out theories instead of engaging in normal conversation. There are moments when you feel like you're in a space lecture.

There is an all-star cast led by Matthew McConaughey who plays the pilot/engineer who leaves his children behind on Earth to travel through a wormhole with a team of explorers. They must find a habitable planet that can sustain life as a result of our own planet becoming inhospitable due to a scarcity in food and extreme climate changes. You can see the acting talent on show when there's great depth in the actors' voice and facial expressions especially in the scenes of melancholy and doom.

There are some fantastic scenes that stand out, especially in space and on the planets the astronauts discover. The cinematography and set decoration highlight the visual beauty of this film. Some of the images are worthy of being displayed in an art gallery; they are that good.

This is not a masterpiece and certainly not deserving of the high ranking on the IMDB website but it is entertaining and interesting for the most part. It demands a second viewing so you can either pick up what you missed out on the first viewing or reconfirm your understanding of the complex plot.

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine and Matt Damon
(169 minutes)
Parental Advice: Adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm8p5rlrSkY (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Saturday 22nd November, 2014)