Christopher Nolan may have finally bitten off more than he can chew, at least if early word on Interstellar is to be believed. The highly anticipated sci-fi epic screened for critics a few days ago, and the reaction seems to be a bit all over the place, veering on the divisive side. It may not have been helped by ski high expectations set by the studio itself, as they had screened the movie for other filmmakers, celebrities and friends of the director, who of course praised everything to the heavens on twitter, setting probably unrealistic heights for the movie, but so far the reaction is that it's visually spectacular but narratively incoherent. Frankly, to me that sounds like a lot of Nolan's other work (I've never been the biggest fan anyway), but most are still saying it's worth seeing on a big screen, just temper those expectations. This kind of response makes it a total mystery as far as awards are concerned- it will still make a huge play for technical recognition like visual effects, sound, etc. but it's more of a question mark now for major categories like picture, director, and acting, although McConaughey has gotten the most praise of the actors. We'll have to see where this one ends up compared to the other movies in the running later on:
"The story is ever-ambitious, sometimes riveting and thought-provoking, but also plodding and hokey and not as visionary as its cutting-edge special effects." (USA Today)
"Not every film need address the possibility of human extinction with the gung-ho silliness of Armageddon, but at least that was a space adventure. This is a science report." (Guardian)
"An emotional powerhouse when it isn't hokey, and a stunning spectacle when it doesn't get bogged down in plot logistics, 'Interstellar' binds its strengths and weaknesses into a riveting whole." (Screen International)
"Double-domed and defiantly serious, 'Interstellar' is a must-take ride with a few narrative bumps." (Time)
