by James Reed

Many thought that the Batman Trilogy was the pinnacle of Christopher Nolan’s career, yet he brings us another story from his brilliant mind of interplanetary travel complete with suspense and awe. You’ll probably hear before going to see this movie, that it’s comparable to such films as “The Abyss” “2001: A space Odyssey” as well as a few others. Anyone making these comparisons are probably right, as this movie in its own way, pays homage to those classics, but brings its own flair and visual style to this genre. The movie is visually spectacular; one that I haven’t seen since Prometheus, but what it does that Prometheus doesn’t is bring an interesting and intricate plot detail and character development to the viewer. With a running time of 2 hours and 49 minutes, I would think that’s plenty of time for the development for characters. The characters each do a splendid job of balancing each other out through the film. The daughter/father bond plays a significant point in the story. Even the supporting cast members TARS and CASE, the robotic multipurpose helpers, serves up a dose humor, to break the tension during the suspenseful scenes.

As far as cast members go, this movie should produce some Oscar-worthy buzz for such performances from Mackenzie Foy and Matthew McConaughey. These two really played well off of each other in the process of forging a father/daughter relationship in first and second act of the movie. Also noteworthy was Jessica Chastain for her supporting role as an older version of McConaughey’s daughter in the third act.

Without spoiling too much, mainly the plot is Earth is dying; crops are failing and mankind is on the brink of anarchy. Now it’s up to a team of space explorers to find a new planetary system to colonize especially when a wormhole opens up to many possibilities. This movie not only tests the endurance of the explorers but the faith of families left behind that they will complete their mission.

Highly recommend seeing it in large format screening, just to get the full effect of the visuals and quality of the movie, some scenes are breathtaking to the point you’ll feel like you’re aboard for the ride. Also go in with an open mind, as the movie wasn’t as preachy as most sci-fi movies that ask the question” are we alone” but come out with a fresh take on life as we know it. Ask yourself, what are you willing to sacrifice for the greater good?

I give this movie 4 out 5