Film Review #2 “Inception”

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 28 mins
Warner Brothers

Mike Gencarelli’s Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I just want to thank “Inception” for leaving me with no nails and covered in sweat as I left the theater. Due to this amazing film Movie Mikes needed to adjust its rating system to allow for its greatness. We have expanded our rating score from 4 stars to 5 stars. This film deserves 5 stars. It is so well thought out and so different from any other film ever made. Christopher Nolan’s last film, “The Dark Knight” was easily the best film of 2008, no question. This film sure does give “The Dark Knight” a good run for its money.

Ok so what is this film actually about, you ask? I do not want to give away much but I will give a brief rundown. Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) are thieves but not your normal type. They enter your dreams and steal your deepest secrets. They work jobs for very important people. During a job, they get propositioned by Saito (Ken Watanabe) to work for him to perform Inception. Inception is when you enter someone’s dreams and instead of taking information you leave information in order to make them change their decisions. Confused? Good, since I barely touched the surface on the premise and will not tell any more. Don’t worry if you follow the film closely it flows really well and keep you thinking.

The film has some amazing special effects and scenes that will literally make your jaw drop. During the film I watched wondering how on earth did someone actually think these situations up. In our first review for this film by Mike Smith he mentions that the film is just too long running at 2hrs and 28mins. I completely disagree the film uses every minute quite well and doesn’t feel dragged at all. In fact I actually wanted more as the film drew close to an end, not wanting it to end.

I have one issue though, why the hell hasn’t Leonardo DiCaprio received an Oscar yet. After his role in this Spring’s “Shutter Island” and now “Inception”, this guy can really act. HELLO!! Academy Voters…Wake Up!! Behind Leo’s acting, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has the hardest scenes in the film and probably some of the coolest too!! Nope I am not going to say which, see the movie. This film really shows Joseph’s strengths and shows that he is going to be a big deal in Hollywood. Ellen Page fits in quite well and shows some great maturity in the role. I was a bit skeptical with her casting but really turned out positive experience. Tom Hardy stands out as the comedic factor in the film and gives one hell of a performance as well. If you don’t know Tom Hardy you will he stars as Max in next years “Mad Max: Fury Road”. Ken Watanabe also gives a great emotional performance as well. All in all one great ensemble of a cast. I must add the Hans Zimmer’s score which plays constantly behind almost every scene could be one of the most intense scores in years. So fantastic!

For those who get easily confused or cannot follow complicated plots, enter with caution here. “Inception” is not your average summer action flick. The movie keeps you guessing and thinking for the whole film and even more once you leave the theater. That being said if you are sick of this summer’s lackluster films, be sure to check out this gem.