Why So Blu?

‘Inception’ Takes You Deep Down The Rabbit Hole…

Silence.  You can hear a pin drop.  Tension.  Everyone is on the edge of his or her seat.  Suspension.  What’s going to happen next?  Thrilling.  Don’t dare take your eyes off the screen as every moment is of grave importance.  Such was the atmosphere this week at the press screening for Christopher Nolan’s newest masterpiece, Inception.  I have to admit; during the screening I noticed there was something really different about this particular movie outing/experience. There was no jibber jabber.  There was no popcorn chewing.  There were no annoying candy wrappers being ripped open.  There were no cell phones ringing.  Nothing.  Inception captivated the crowd.

Let me ask you all a question.  Are you ready for an original thriller so deep and mesmerizing that it will literally blow your mind and rock your world?  If that’s a hell yes, than look no further than Inception, an easy sure-win, thus far, for my movie of the year selection.  You have chosen the red pill.  If you answered no to my question, than Despicable Me may still be playing in 3-D down the hall.  Take the blue pill, go there now and stop reading this!

Inception is Christopher Nolan’s return to the silver screen after his blockbuster hit The Dark Knight in 2008.  My god!  Has it been that long?  The sci-fi action thriller written, produced and directed by Nolan (the man wears all three hats… he is the new King… move over James) stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watannabe, Joseph GordonLevitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Tom Berenger, Dileep Rao, Michael Caine and more.   Interestingly enough, the script was pitched to Warner Bros. in 2001, but they felt he needed experience making larger scale films first, hence Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.  In addition, Nolan finally got the chance to work with DiCaprio, an actor he has been trying to secure for years.  Leo signed on after being intrigued by the script.  See what a good screenplay can do for you folks?  It really can make “dreams” come true.  One other thing to note in this production paragraph is the film’s score.  Once again, Hans Zimmer helms and crafts a powerful soundtrack that will keep you riveted throughout, much like his addictive score in The Dark Knight.  Gotta love this guy!

I don’t believe in spoilers and I debated about this for days.  There really is no good way to deliver the plot here without spoiling some things.  In fact, I remained spoiler free before seeing this feature.  And so should you!  I knew this film would be epic and monumental.  I had my faith in Nolan, but for once in my life I wanted to be surprised and not know anything about the movie.  My expectations were high, and I am happy to say they were pleasantly exceeded.  Overjoyed, is a word that comes to mind right now.

Ever have a dream?  Of course, you did, even my dog dreams.  You know that feeling you have where you are falling and you abruptly wake up?  Well that’s referred to as kicking the chair (or something like that).  Remember that, okay?  Ever think it’s possible to experience a dream happen within a dream?  Well, I can’t ever recall doing so, but I can definitely imagine it happening.  Now, try this one on for size.  Do you think it is possible to have a dream, experience another dream within that original dream and are you okay with me taking it a level deeper? Good.  What about a third dream within the second dream that’s still happening within the first dream?  Sounds complex huh?  Such is the world of Inception.  Not only were my eyes glued to the screen throughout the feature, but also I sat there speechless in thought.  How did Nolan ever craft this on paper?  I have to get my hands on this screenplay.  Study from him I must.  Brilliant man!

So what’s Inception all about?  Let’s just say there are some men that will go to any lengths to steal from you.  You can have as many alarms and bodyguards as money permits, but are you truly ever really safe?  I mean, is your mind safe from thieves?  Think about this for one moment.  What if I was able to go in to your mind and trick you into giving me the combination of the safe behind the painting on the wall?  When you wake up and I am not there you would just think you were having a bad dream, right?  Welcome to the world of Inception.  Now let’s take it one step further before I call it a day.  Ready?  What if I had the ability to go into your dream, your sub-consciousness, and plant an idea in your head that when you wake up you will think you thought of.  Do you think that idea will stick?  You better believe it will.  Again, welcome to the world of Inception.

The Dark Knight is still my favorite Nolan film, but only because of Heath Ledger’s legendary portrayal of the Joker.  Inception is a close second.  I don’t think you will come across a film this year that is more complex than this and still riveting at the same time.  I’m not as foolish as Danny Gilbert to tell you to take that to the bank, but I’m willing to give you good odds against the chance of that happening.  I’m going to recommend you drop everything you are doing today and when that 5 o’clock whistle blows, I want you to run to your local cinema and spend the next 2.5 hours of your life experiencing something that is larger than all of us… Inception.  Have a great weekend at the movies!

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