Alright, alright, alright... let's get to work Matthew.
Who are you?
I'm Dr. Jonathan Brand, I'm your reviewer.
I knew a Dr. Brand once, he was a professor.
He wasn't near as cute, either.
Okay... yeah... sorry, contrary to some of the YouTube comments I get, I don't swing
that way.
You give me that, I'll tell you anything you want to know.
I want you to explain the ending of "Interstellar" to me... because I'm still not sure I understood
everything.
Please, Dr. Brand.
I don't have any idea what this is.
Well, that's easy... this is Movie Night!
Hello and welcome to Movie Night, in-depth reviews in less than five minutes.
I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
Before we begin tonight's special episode, I want to quickly plug an interview I did
with Ken over at FilmReviews12.com - for those wanting to hear some in-depth insight on my
reviewing process, and who my inspirations are in the film-criticism-community, please
check out the link below to give it a read.
But now, I'll be taking a spoiler-free look at "Interstellar".
This captivating science fiction drama from critically acclaimed director Christopher
Nolan was produced on a budget of $165 million, and released on November 5, 2014.
Although it's an entirely original property with no ties to any previous works, the hype
surrounding Nolan's ninth feature film was so high, Warner Bros. studios traded away
the rights to its lucrative "Friday The 13th" series (among other franchises) just to secure
worldwide distribution rights to this movie.
So to say this picture has been widely anticipated would be quite an understatement.
The lengthy 169-minute story follows a farmer-turned-astronaut who leaves his family behind on a dying Earth
to travel through a mysterious wormhole in an effort to save humanity.
The PG-13 rated plot is far more involved than that however, with plenty of twists and
surprises along the way, which are best experienced unspoiled.
Set during an unspecified time in the future where automated Indian drones flying overhead
are commonplace, and the Apollo program is taught as a hoax... the Earth's dirt is infertile
and barren, dooming the future of the human race.
Playing the inquisitive and intrepid protagonist is Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey,
delivering perhaps his most versatile and charged performance of his career.
The emotional range he exhibits is astonishing, from hope, despair, discovery, and fear...
all of which helps anchor the more fantastical moments
on
a personal level.
Remarking on the importance of his mission prior to departure McConaughey reminds a co-star,
"Mankind was born on Earth.
It was never meant to die here."
It is this underlying theme of survival and exploration that will draw audiences into
this lush and unfamiliar universe...
but it is strength of love itself that rests at the heart of "Interstellar".
The all-star supporting cast includes four more Oscar-winners, including one surprise
performer smartly excluded from the movie's promotional campaign.
They all bring their A-game, but of particular mention is Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain,
and Michael Caine - who truly deliver some of the strongest performances I've seen in
years, breaking down when faced with the weight of their decisions, but strong enough to overcome
them.
One incredible scene sees our astronauts exploring a dangerous ocean planet... forcing them to
deal not only with thousand-foot waves, but also a life-alerting time-differential that
sees seven years pass on Earth for every hour they spend on the surface.
The second world they explore is equally as exciting and scary, but this 45-minute sequence
honestly could have been trimmed heavily without harming the overall story... which tends to
overstay its welcome by the final scene.
A stickler for film, Nolan shot the entire anamorphic feature with limited digital effects...
bringing to life these hauntingly beautiful worlds to life on a gloriously huge 70mm IMAX
frame.
If you have the means, I impure you to see this picture on the largest screen possible.
The sound design meanwhile is similarly immersive... dropping-out to uncomfortable pockets of silence
whenever the perspective switches to deep-space.
The movie's white knuckle thrills and impressive visuals are driven by Han Zimmer's use of
quick organ pulses that echo into the empty void.
An important and rewarding experience, I predict this space epic will score double-digit Academy
Award nominations come January.
A completely unique production, this film still shares many parallel's with 1997's "Contact";
if you enjoyed that Jodie Foster film, you'll love "Interstellar"... but if you thought
it was sort of dumb and boring, then Nolan's latest mayn't be for you.
Laced with scientifically verbose exposition, but never detrimentally so... the carefully
paced narrative is a honest and believable examination of who we are as a species.
A reflective story with strong performances, nail-biting action, breathtaking visuals,
and a stunning conclusion, this is one film that will stay with me for a long time.
The slower-paced and more esoteric elements may alienate some viewers, but for the patient
and open minded, this is a transformative experience that transports you to the edge
of the galaxy.
An awe-inspiring journey through time, space, and emotion...
"Interstellar" is an unqualified masterpiece, and the best sci-fi drama ever made.
Obviously, I'm giving this an AMAZING.
I was not the biggest fan of Nolan's last two efforts...
but this one completely wowed me.
I'd love to hear what your thoughts about this film in the comments below.
But that does it for tonight's short episode, so let's take a look at some of your Tweet
Critiques.
If you see a new movie in theaters, Tweet your review with the #JPMN hashtag.
In luie of this opening-day review for "Interstellar", I decided to push back part II of our "Comedy
Parodies" episode to later this month - because this Friday it's time for more Disney reviews!
"Pinocchio", "Cinderella", "Mulan", "The Emperor's New Groove", and their newest release: "Big
Hero 6".
Once you've seen these films, share your opinions by voting in the polls below, or by leaving
a comment review.
If you'd like to watch more Movie Night reviews, check out the "related videos" on the right,
or click SUBSCRIBE to be notified of future uploads.
Also be sure to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, or Letterboxd for updates
between episodes.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula, thank you for watching and listening.
Until next time, have a good Movie Night!