9. Inception (8.8)
I had only heard great things about this movie. In fact, a few weeks after its release, the IMDB users recognized Inception as the 3rd best movie ever made, with a rating of 9.0. The main reason behind this, was that it was released at the absolute zenith of Christopher Nolan hype (a year after the release of The Dark Knight) and so when I rented it on DVD last year, my expectations were about as high as they could be. Whilst I concede that the movie was a highy creative and inventive picture, and as much as I think Christopher Nolan deserves the utmost praise for his storyline and directing, I still believe it has been hyped beyond all proportion by Nolan fans. The simple problem with this movie, is that you have no idea what the hell is going on. The non linear structure and unbelievably convolated storyline had me confused from the get-go and I'm afraid to say, that never changed. And as much as I appreciated the spectacular visual effects and solid acting from the impressive cast, I have trouble enjoying a movie if I don't understand it. By the end, it left me with so many questions. Was it a dream? Was it a dream about a dream? Or was it a parallel universe where people dream they're dreaming about a parallel universe? I mean sooner or later you just cease to care about the plot whatsoever and just recline in your chair, devouring the iconic set pieces. Unfortunately, this is not the insignia of a great movie. But overall, I feel the movie and its director do deserve praise in abundance for its originality, that being why I feel it deserves an 8.0 rating. However at the moment, IMDB have this film rated on par with modern greats such as Goodfellas and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, and I'm afraid Inception isn't in the same league.
My Rating: 8.0