Inception

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday is the highly anticipated thriller of the summer with director Chris Nolan and Legendary Pictures with “Inception”.

This film tells the story of Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a trained extractor of a persons deepest secrets. Technology has become available that allows the human mind to be invaded through dreams. In the world of corporate espionage his talents are called upon but those skills have cost him everything.

He begins working with a new team of specialists Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Eames (Tom Hardy), and the newest recruit Ariadne (Ellen Page). Their new assignment, given by Japanese businessman Saito (Ken Watanabe), is to infiltrate an energy corporation by getting into the mind of the CEO’s son Robert (Cillian Murphy).

With the help of Yusuf (Dileep Rao), the team goes into depth upon depth to finally reach their goal. But it is Cobb who must come to terms with what he has hidden for years that could put the team in jeopardy and only he can stop it if he ever wants to make it back home

In order to do that – he may have to destroy what he loves.

FINAL WORD: DiCaprio has once again pulled us into a story that is full of twists and turns. With his performance earlier this year in “Shutter Island” I didn’t think it possible to beat it – I was wrong. In “Inception” his character is intelligent, confused, tortured and good at his job. DiCaprio is proving to be one of the finest actors around.

Gordon-Levitt is also on top of his game. His character is sharp, quick and extremely agile. Hardy brings on the laughs and Watanabe’s character is focused and a thrill to watch.

Murphy as Robert played his role well. As Robert, he must reconcile the relationship with his father that could change everything. It was surprising but nice to see Tom Berenger on the screen once again. Rao as Yusuf has a small role but well done.

If I had a downside it would be Page. Her role here seemed self righteous and a little too smart for her own good. There isn’t a lot of depth here for her. There were times I felt she pulled focus away from the plot of the film but it isn’t enough to sway me from seeing it again.

Other cast include: Michael Caine as Miles, Lucas Haas as Nash, Marion Cotillard as Mol, Tom Berenger as Browning and Pete Postlethwaite as Maurice Fisher.

This is director Chris Nolan’s offering up since the highly regarded film “The Dark Knight”. This film is extremely clever filled with every range of emotion imaginable. To watch this film takes as much dedication from the viewer as it did the director to make it.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Inception” four tubs of popcorn out of five. Finally, an adult film that forces the viewer to think, to pay attention and to remember to pick their jaw up off the floor! If I seem reluctant to say more it is only to keep from giving away anything. This film is an experience in itself.

The CGI is beautiful and brilliant to watch. Nolan demands the audience’s full attention and he gets it. Looking away for even a moment robs you of a detail you will need later. Go in knowing it has a long running time of 150 minutes but to shorten this film would take away from its brilliance. Remember – it is all in what you believe.

In the end – your mind is the scene of the crime!