At first, I was having a hard time following the plot of the movie as your perception of the goings-on on screen is often shook up numerous times - and that is just fine as the film is trying to build up its very precise concept. I felt that even a good 45 minutes into the film, Inception was still trying to build upon its complex idea of subconcious mind probing. Usually a film with this much exposition would seem tiresome, but not at all here. In fact, it is quite the opposite as the explanations of the films themes and plot elements are brilliantly executed and are completely gripping. I found myself utterly fascinated by what was going on and I was endlessly curious as to how this concept actually works.

     I'm glad the film didn't dwell on how the Inception device was created, because otherwise it would have gotten bogged down with unnecessary annoyances. The film quickly alludes to it being used as a military and/or corporate espionage technology, which only seems limited to the few brilliant people who actually go on to execute these complex missions. And once again, I am happy about that. The film just carries on with its ambition, and with that determination, this movie and the audience were all better off for it.

     While watching Inception I was completely swept in by the movie's concept. I was captivated in such a way, more so than any other film I've seen in recent memory. This is a movie that appeals to all of your senses, and to your sensory. It is such a superb piece of film-making. On a visual front, it is remarkably striking. Creating the depths of a mind is an incredibly difficult task, but it was done and often the events of the film felt dream-like. And the trick of a dream is to believe that everything is indeed real, and that little idea really plays out well here. The dream sequences, and dreams within dreams elements, all somehow feel real, but yet are so dream-like at the same time. There is careful attention to detail, and detail is another layer where this film excels.

     On an acting and dialogue front, Inception is a soaring success. DiCaprio shows once again that he is one of the most compelling actors of this new generation. There are some terrific and brilliant supporting roles here by Thomas Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Cilian Murphy, and the very charming Tom Hardy - amongst several others. The dialogue is simply fantastic as it carefully balances this complicated idea but also elegantly places humor into the mix. Some lines are just so pinpoint in execution, that Inception even treads some genuine smiles and a laugh or two here and there. That isn't to say things are taken lightly, but they are smartly placed. The key word there is smartly.

     Inception is as of now, the best film of 2010. At first you may feel a bit lost in the films very specific concept, but in due time you will definitely see the point. You'll be so wrapped up in everything, you'll not want it to ever end. I would equate this movie as a great brain-teaser, but as the same place, and flawless piece of entertainment. From its striking visuals, to some of its Matrix-like fights, to its oddly gripping music, to the brilliant screenplay and acting performances, to its incredible depth, charm, and elegance, Inception is a modern day masterpiece. Christopher Nolan has orchestrated some of the most mind-blowing (pun intended!) films of this era. From the brilliant Memento, to Inception, and throw in some other fantastic films like Insomnia, Batman Begins, and The Dark Knight, Nolan is a wonder to behold. See Inception, and have your mind blown.

-Kurt L.

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     Consider this film the ultimate popcorn movie. It is the quintessential summer blockbuster. Starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, and Jeff Goldblum, Independence Day is an extremely watchable and highly entertaining film. It has all the high intensity explosions that will surely catch your eye. It features plenty of alien intrigue that will suffice for any sci-fi fan. It also boasts some incredibly catchy quotes like, "Welcome to Earth." Classic. It's a wild ride that never bores. It does precisely what a movie should do, and that is entertain us.

     I like this movie's attempts at creating some legitimate thrills and a cohesive progression. The film never deters from its conclusion, and everything wraps up pretty neatly. There are some sad moments, but they don't overshadow the bigger picture. You may consider this a spolier, but, for the most part, there is triumph, and I respect the decision. There certainly seems to be a real struggle and a very dour situation at hand, but the pull for perserverence is rather uplifting and keeps the audience engaged in the action. The characters are extremely likeable, well written and very well acted. After watching it again in its entirety from beginning to end, I felt that the characters were really so well portrayed, and boasted some impressive depth considering this is a big budget blockbuster movie.

     As I alluded to, the cast is terrific. Will Smith, who has a stellar resume of hugely successful films under his belt, is awesome all throughout the film. Jeff Goldblum is also superb as the quirky scientist - something he seems to play very well! I like when Goldblum explains things in a movie, it just all seems so plausible, does it not? Judd Hirsch has a great character role as Goldblum's father in the film. He plays a doting Jewish father who makes numerous wise-cracks, and cavetches with the best of them - it's great. Also, there is Bill Pullman as the President of the United States. Certainly Pullman's president is one of the better iterations of the Commander In Chief that I've seen in recent memory. There is also a pretty solid outing by Randy Quaid in the movie as well. To put it simply, the cast - either lead or supporting - is all around excellent.

     I really don't have many negatives things to say about Independence Day. What's there not to like really? It may not be the most thought-provoking, emotionally moving motion picture ever, but it doesn't need to be. I respect this movie for a lot of reasons, and one of the primary reasons is that it doesn't feel like your typical overloaded blockbuster. It has some depth, it has some tragic moments, but also numerous comical moments to lighten the tension. It wraps up everything rather neatly. It has some proposterous moments, but does that matter either? No. Watch this film and have a great time. You'll certainly enjoy it - from beginning to end.

-Kurt L.

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