Anyone who is familiar with the filmography of Christopher Nolan is also acquainted with the grand spectacle and signature deep substance thereof. Interstellar, Nolan’s latest directorial work, is a film abundant with these features. While it may lack the action frenzies of the Dark Knight trilogy, it is a rich source of the thought-provoking style that made Inception strike a chord with audiences. This is a thinker’s film and is not for the faint of mind.

Perhaps the most incredible feat that Interstellar manages to pull off is that at 169 minutes, it never feels too long. Despite its slow pace and lack of liveliness, I remained thoroughly entertained throughout.

Granted, there are times in which the story appears to fail to unravel in the most efficient manner possible. Some plot points either feel as though they are out of place or they simply do not make much sense to the average viewer. But despite this, the frequent twists and turns taken make this an adventure worth joining in on, and, for the most part, the down-to-earth nature of the script turns even the most complex of scientific marvels into simple concepts that most people will be capable of understanding.

The film’s cast makes for a strong crew with members such as Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine and Matt Damon, among others. This selection is impeccable, as nobody failed to deliver robust performances filled with genuine relatable emotion.

The only true issue with the impressive list of characters is that despite the movie’s monumental length, a few of the characters do not get much screen time and, as a result, do not get the chance to develop to a point which makes them seem necessary.

Nolan’s direction is beautiful as always with breathtaking visuals and stellar camera tricks. Never before have I ever seen a tale of space travel that was more convincing of what the realities of the universe actually entail.

Despite Interstellar’s many strengths, it is not for everyone. As I walked out of the theater, I could feel the aura of confusion coming from a good chunk of the audience–particularly the younger portion of it. If you desire to see the film, be prepared for a nearly three-hour mental and emotional journey during which you must pay close attention to the entirety of it. Put quite simply, if your favorite movies are Transformers (2007) and Dumb and Dumber, this is not for you.

Story: 6.75

Performances: 8.5

Script: 6.75

Visual appeal: 9.0

Entertainment value: 7.5

MY RATING: 7.7/10