Inception (2010)

Today was graduation day at the institute and the final members of my first real class graduated. While the ceremony was nice, and I am sure that the five that are heading out will do great things, it is a bit sad that they will not be around, as they were definitely a joy to have in the classroom. Moving on, if you have read my blog over the past three years, you would know that I am not the biggest fan of the blockbuster flick, and honestly prefer the indie movement. Yes, I do watch a blockbuster from time-to-time, but I usually do not enjoy them. Today, as the last day of the quarter wound down, I allowed my class to pick a movie for the afternoon since all of their grades were published; their selection, the action-adventure-science fiction blockbuster Inception.  

Plot/ In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job to date: Inception.

Sometimes films come along that truly define a genre, and now, after watching this one, I believe that Inception will define this genre for generations. When a movie tries to peer into the subconscious, they are always interesting, and to an extent, surreal. Somehow, this one took the cues from movies past, amplified it, and created its own dimension on the screen. The storyline is tremendous, extremely complicated but interesting, one that will draw you in, the acting is solid, there are some top-notch performances, and the cinematography and production are outstanding with the action sequences and soundtrack mirroring the mood of the film perfectly. On top of that, the special effects are amazing, and crafted well within the layers of the film. On the downside, this is definitely a hard film to understand fully in one viewing, and with such a long run-time, it may be hard to watch multiple times to discover all of the intricacies that I am sure exists within this world. In the end, some more character development would have made the film perfect, but when that is the major flaw, what more can one ask for. This may be one of the best action or science fiction films to be released in sometime and must be seen to be believed. If you have not seen it yet, you must see it. Honestly, I wish I would have watched it earlier.

Shutter Island (2010)

While at the Redbox hoping to nab The Wolfman, I discovered that I would have to settle for Shutter Island. I had hoped to see this in the theatre earlier in the year, but as always, a lack of babysitter kept us in the house.

Plot/ It's 1954, and up-and-coming U.S. marshal Teddy Daniels is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient from Boston's Shutter Island Ashecliffe Hospital. He's been pushing for an assignment on the island for personal reasons, but before long he wonders whether he hasn't been brought there as part of a twisted plot by hospital doctors whose radical treatments range from unethical to illegal to downright sinister. Teddy's shrewd investigating skills soon provide a promising lead, but the hospital refuses him access to records he suspects would break the case wide open. As a hurricane cuts off communication with the mainland, more dangerous criminals "escape" in the confusion, and the puzzling, improbable clues multiply, Teddy begins to doubt everything - his memory, his partner, even his own sanity.

Shutter Island was definitely much more than I could have asked for, especially considering the mixed reviews and even the trailers that were released prior to the debut. This was more than just a thriller or horror film, in fact, it may be the be psychological thriller to come out in decades. To me, what I found in this film was certainly unexpected. Yes, the directing was spot on (which is the norm for Scorsese), but the combination of acting, effects and storyline were amazing and visually intriguing. Every thing definitely fell right into place. However, not everyone will definitely hold this film in the same regard, and many may not like it at all. For passing viewers, it may be too subtle and twisting and some horror/thriller fans may not like the lack of gore and blood, but those viewers looking for a complex nightmarish trip into suspense, this one is for you!