The Prestige (2006)

As I mentally prepare myself for this weekend of softball, I decided to watch something relaxing and somewhat thought-provoking. After some thought, I decided on the 2006 sci-fi/mystery The Prestige.

Plot/ Two stage magicians engage in competitive one-upmanship in an attempt to create the ultimate stage illusion.

Any movie that features Nikola Tesla is an automatic winner in my book, plus when the amazing David Bowie is playing that genius, it is a home run. That is exactly what The Prestige is, an amazing journey to another time that doubles as a tremendous character study with a dark look at obsession. Complete with an outstanding storyline, an incredible cast with top-notch performances, and spot on direction and cinematography, this movie does not disappoint in any way. Not to mention the sci-fi/steampunk twist added into what was already a great trip into the world of illusion. Yes, it was a touch predictable if you pay attention to the dialog and hints that are sprinkled in, but that does nothing to bring the movie down. In the end, if you have not seen this film, you are really missing out. It is honestly one of Christopher Nolan’s best movies and a darker film that I could watch over and over again. Highly recommended.

Interstellar (2014)

Yesterday, I found myself stuck at the softball field for the first scrimmage of 2015. Of course, I realize that was the first of what will be many more over the next couple of months, and I am OK with that. Now it is time to get back to the blog. Next up, is a movie that I had waited to see for some time, 2014s Sci-Fi epic Interstellar.

Plot/ In the near future, Earth has been devastated by drought and famine, causing a scarcity in food and extreme changes in climate. A team of explorers travels through a wormhole in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival.

Interstellar was one of the few movies that I was disappointed to miss in the theatre. Now, having viewed it, I definitely want to kick myself in the ass for not making more of an attempt. This Sci-Fi epic is one of the more thought provoking movies I have seen in some time, and in many ways will stand the test of time. Not only is this movie well made, with beautiful cinematography and a brilliant soundtrack, the acting, directing, and effects create a perfect atmosphere. More importantly, the storyline is layered in such a way that the arcing love story is woven into the darkness is tremendous and full of emotion. In the end, this is a movie that must be seen and embraced. Yes, there are some I believe moments, but those are definitely easy to overlook and should be. If you have not seen it, what are you waiting for? Find it, and check it out!

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.