#critique

Interstellar: The Experience

If 2001: A Space Odyssey and Inception were animate objects and managed to conceive a child, it would be Interstellar.

For the past two weeks or so all I have heard, or read online, is that Interstellar is an amazing film, and so far I have received zero negative or condescending feedback. Which is just extremely unordinary, especially for a science fiction film! Last night, I decided to take the plunge (pun?) and see it. I will admit: I was extremely skeptical at first. I have a tendency to be let down by a film if it is over-hyped and does not meet my expectations.  I was not disappointed, I was actually surprised by the intense emotional impact the film took on me.

If you’re an emotional person beware, because Christopher Nolan has created the perfect “emotional rollercoaster.” Nolan takes us from being on the edge of our seats to tears in a matter of seconds, which is something very few filmmakers can achieve. I’m not going to lie: I cried and/or teared-up several times, it’s just that powerful. The score (composed by Hans Zimmer) only adds to this emotional ride by creating an otherworldly soundtrack that will only fully envelope you within the experience that is Interstellar.

I have heard that there are several plot holes within the story. I’m not sure what film others have seen, but the only “holes” I noticed were wormholes, black holes, and assholes (if you’ve seen it, you know exactly who I’m talking about!). I plan to go see it again next week in IMAX so I can receive the full experience.

I only have one complaint: there are no explosions and/or flames in outer space.

Bottom line: Few filmmakers produce a film as groundbreaking as Interstellar, and Nolan has set the bar extremely high as far as the future of cinema goes. The way I see it, Christopher Nolan has won filmmaking. Also, I recommend seeing it in IMAX since it is one of the few movies produced specifically for viewing in IMAX.

Rating: A+

Automata and Its Protocols Vs. Asimov’s Laws of Robotics

Automata is set within the not-so-distant future where Earth has become highly irradiated due to deadly solar flares. In order to rebuild harsh areas of the world people build machines, the Automatas, to help them. The Automatas are peculiar specimens that resemble a machine achievable by today’s engineers, so they are not too far-fetched. The Automatas are programmed with two inalterable protocols: the first being they must preserve human life; the second limits them from fixing themselves.

Most films stay true to Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, but Automata makes no mention of any protocols that oblige the machines to obey human commands. On the contrary, Asimov’s Three Laws do not limit machines the ability to alter, repair, or upgrade themselves. In the film, the machines not only alter themselves, but they become self-aware (alive) and show emotion.

Overall, I recommend giving Automata a chance regardless of its ratings. It looks great cinematically, the writing is decent, and it’s directed by a lesser-known director (Gabe Ibáñez). The main reason I would recommend seeing the film is to view something philosphically different than most mainstream films about robotics.