Review: ‘Interstellar’ is Nolan’s most ambitious, powerful film yet

Posted on November 21, 2014

By MARK VIOLA

Director Christopher Nolan’s latest, and perhaps most ambitious project to date, is “Interstellar,” which combines elements of science fiction, science fact and space adventure to tell a story that is firmly rooted in the concepts of family and love.

Everything about “Interstellar” feels epic, from its nearly three-hour runtime to its tale of human survival on the grandest scales. This is a long movie, and one that feels long, but more so because of its weight than its length. This could have easily been a pulpy sci-fi adventure, but the Nolans anchor their story in the highbrow scientific concepts of the Theory of Relativity and quantum mechanics as well as time dilation, wormholes and black holes.

Even more so, however, this is a movie concerned with telling a story about love. The love of a father for his children. The love of a daughter for a father. The love that is powerful enough to be considered a force of nature itself. For “Interstellar” is ultimately a story about humanity, and our fight to survive no matter the odds or the cost.

There is never a moment in watching a Christopher Nolan film in which you feel like he took the easy route, or the safe route. His films push the boundaries of what we consider blockbusters and popcorn entertainment, never pandering to his audience or compromising his vision.

“Interstellar” is an example of an ambitious director at his most ambitious, and you have to respect that fearlessness. And when the end product is as good as it is here, you celebrate.

The film is rated PG-13 for some intense, perilous action and brief strong language.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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