Reviews

This movie was SO good. SO stylish. SO eerie. SO haunting. SO mesmerizing/magical. SO ENCHANTING!!!! The atmosphere created by the wonderful music and excellent cinematography really had a timeless feel about it. Almost as if the Angelina Jolie version of that character had always existed from the very beginning. And that's really what the entire movie was hinged on. She WAS Maleficent in every possible way.

Angelina Jolie was amazing. It was a flawless performance. Every sound she made, even the slightest utterance was perfect. Her movements and facial expressions were absolutely stunning.

My favorite thing about movies is being able to escape into another world. And this movie did a great job at making me feel like that. It was the perfect blend of old and modern. Timeless is really the best way to describe it. It felt nostalgic while at the same time fresh. I felt like I did when I was a kid going to Disneyland for the first time. Some might complain that the movie was a little too "Disneyland"; and while it's true that at times during the movie I felt like the scene I just experienced with the visuals & music would be perfect in a new Disneyland ride/world, that doesn't bother me. Disneyland isn't all Dumbo rides and Mickey Mouse. Some of my fondest memories of Disneyland are the darker and more haunting aspects. This fit right in with those feeling.

All the performances in the movie were spot on. Elle Fanning was completely adorable and innocent as Aurora. Manville, Staunton & Temple were great as the three fairies. Riley delivered the perfect blend of humor & wit with dark undertones as Diaval. And I thought Copley was a great Stefan.

I really only have one slight complaint. And it's not even for me. I don't know if anyone else has ever felt this before, but sometimes I don't wish something for myself, but simply because I think it would have made it easier for others to enjoy the movie. So, for the sake of others who needed it, I wish the movie had a little more scenes with Maleficent & Stefan early on in the movie. More screen time showing their relationship blossom and more obvious character development and screen time overall of Stefan would probably have enhanced the emotional connection for most of the audience during the emotional scenes throughout the movie.

And maybe these scenes will be included in the director's cut.

However, for myself, I thought the movie was perfect. But I'm a little different. I prefer subtle over obvious. I love character development, but at times less is more. When there is a narrator, like there was for this movie, sometimes a simple line by the narrator can tell the audience just as much as a 5 minute scene. I understand the reason why the director chose to keep the movie tight. This was the story told in the viewpoint and perspective of Maleficent. Plain and simple. This was HER story. We were told just enough of what we needed to know about the other characters, their motivations, etc... in order to form an emotional connection while at the same time always completely focused on Maleficent.

Would I have been disappointed with an additional 10 minutes of back story involving Stefan? No. But I understand the benefit of keeping the movie shorter/tighter. The one thing no one can complain about is that the movie lost its focus. It was extremely tight. Some might say too tight. But I enjoyed it. I was completely sucked into her story. Less of everyone else allowed for more of Angelina Jolie's portrayal of that amazing, complex, multi-faceted and enchanting character of Maleficent.

This really was one of the most enchanting movies I've ever scene. I loved every single moment. The music was engrossing and the visuals haunting. I give it a 10/10. I think those who wished there was additional writing regarding character development have completely valid desires. However, I hope that in time the movie will be appreciated for what it is.

Every now and then a movie comes along that is so far superior to the average film it takes your breath away and reminds you why you love movies. Inception does that and more.

Not since The Matrix (1999) has a movie exploded onto the scene like Inception leaving an awed audience in absolute chills having witnessed something so fresh, so unique, so thought-provoking and deep that the experience lasts long after the credits roll. It's more than a movie. It's artistic expression at its finest blending beautiful imagery, powerful music, relentless intensity, riveting plot, mesmerizing ideas and heart wrenching emotions, all while captivating an imagination in a fresh and unique way.

There are aspects of this movie that simply have not been attempted before. There are images and visuals that before existed only inside ones imagination or dreams. There are spellbinding manipulations of the space time continuum altering preconceived notions of reality.

Without any spoilers I will say that the primary vehicle for the plot encompasses the mysterious world of dreams. Specifically the notion of extracting or implanting information or ideas within ones dream. The way in which this topic is approached is highly intriguing in and of itself. But there is so much more to this movie than just dreams.

This is a story about guilt, love, redemption, letting go, contentment, curiosity, creativity, acceptance, desires, choices, consequences, priorities and approval. The role children play in our lives and the enormous responsibility and influence we have in theirs was a particularly meaningful theme of the film for me. There are some very touching scenes that will certainly stay with you long after the movie.

However, what's so refreshing is the manner in which this story is told. We are provided with the least amount of information necessary in order to follow along and be emotionally invested. Some might find this creates confusion and unanswered questions. I find it creates a crisp, intelligent and thought-inspiring story without falling prey to the annoying and all too common practice of over-explanation found in most movies today. I don't need or want every little thing explained to me over and over again. This is a movie that demands multiple viewings. Some things are left up to interpretation, but many of the so-called unanswered questions will be answered by watching it a second time. At least that was my experience.

I also really like how the movie doesn't try to be noble or grand. No one is trying to save the world or conquer an evil enemy. It's a basic plot, but it's just told on a grand scale in a very entertaining and unique way. The primary motivations of both the protagonist and the person that hires him to do a job that makes up the bulk of the storyline is very simple and relatable. One is trying to overcome an obstacle to get home and the other is trying to advance his own power and influence. But neither is presented as either good or bad. As an audience we don't know if the results that occur if the mission succeeds will have a positive or negative impact on the world. We are simply told what is necessary and important. We can fill in the rest as we see fit. And how each individual viewer chooses to see the movie will largely be influenced by their own personal biases and their "projections" used to fill in the blanks. Those that have seen the movie just caught my intentional use of the word "projections" and can probably guess where I'm heading next.

This leads me to the true brilliance of the movie. Inception isn't just occurring in the movie, it's occurring to the audience. We become part of the subject matter. Those that have seen the end of the movie know what I'm referring to. I won't go into any detail, but I will say this. A single idea in the human mind is a very powerful thing. Keep that in mind, not while watching the movie, but afterwards while analyzing it. You might be surprised what you discover.

I'll end by saying that Christopher Nolan is fast becoming the greatest director of his generation. Dark Knight is the pinnacle of the superhero genre. I thought that would be Nolan's masterpiece. I was wrong. Inception is his greatest masterpiece to date. Nolan has skyrocketed into my Top 10 all-time favorite directors.

And Leonardo DiCaprio is fast becoming one of the most accomplished actors of any generation. At age 35 he has already squeezed in a lifetime worth of quality films working with the top directors in the industry. And I think he hasn't even hit his peak yet. In another 35 years don't be surprised if he's widely considered to be on the short list of greatest actors ever. Not bad for the little trouble-maker punk kid on Growing Pains.

And I certainly can't forget the amazing musical score by composer Hans Zimmer. The music in this movie is absolutely one of the characters. It's engrossing and completely elevates the entire experience. It's beautiful. Right now I can't think of a better movie score. And I'm a movie score connoisseur. Like the movie itself, you will not be able to get the music out of your head.

Finally, allow me to take this opportunity to announce that there is a new #1 on the very top of my all-time favorite movies. I never thought Braveheart could be eclipsed. But I never imagined a movie like Inception. Since I've seen the movie multiple times I don't feel this is simply a reactionary decision. I've put a lot of thought into it. Anyone that knows me knows that I take my "favories" of anything very seriously.

Do yourself a favor and go see my all-time favorite movie INCEPTION.