Dueling Reviews: Interstellar, Is It Good? Is It Bad?

By Aidan Rodriguez

If you are someone who likes three-hour films that lack originality and surprise (Ashton Slaughter), then do I have a film for you. 

While Christopher Nolan is an Oscar-nominated and Oscar-holding director, I have to say, I just don’t enjoy his films. In particular, I had a difficult time watching his 2014 film “Interstellar.” This film is scientifically based, and I have to admit that it is not my favorite genre. Although I wasn’t particularly excited to watch this film, I figured I would try watching it because many people had recommended it to me. However, I was highly disappointed by what ensued. 

Photo of Christopher Nolan from BBC

The overarching plot of the film is mediocre at best and left me wanting more. In this new dystopian world, the earth is now uninhabitable, and humans have to find another place to live. The “only person” who can “save the human race,” though, is Cooper (Mathew McConaughey), so he is taken away to travel through space to find someplace inhabitable. The idea of being the only person who can save the world is an overused cliche that bores me while adding no depth to the story. The only reason this film wasn’t ten minutes long was because of Nolan’s use of subplots. 

Nolan has notoriously complex themes throughout his films, and “Interstellar” is no exception. Throughout the film, Nolan creates several subplots that, by the end of the film, I felt were pointlessly drawn out. For example, the first half of the film did two main things. The first is explaining the dire situation the world is in through a sandstorm. Second, the film highlights Cooper’s internal struggle of leaving. I understand that this is a difficult decision and times are desperate, but should it take an hour and a half of film time to get through? This struggle doesn’t even add anything monumental to the film. All it portrays is that Cooper loves his daughter and is torn about leaving, but he’ll do it to save the world. It feels as if fluff was added to the script just to fill time. 

A theme in the film I didn’t mind, though, was that of Murphy’s “ghost.” Throughout the film, a “ghost” (as Murphy calls it) helps Cooper’s daughter Murphy (played as a child by Mackenzie Foy and as an adult by Jessica Chastain). The running theme is refreshing throughout the film and helps tie the subplots together; however, the culmination at the end felt underwhelming to me. After they find the new planet to live on, the film reveals what Murphy’s ghost really is, although, to me, after the idea of the black hole is introduced, it’s fairly obvious what the ghost is. 

Overall, the film felt extremely drawn out and uneventful with the plot not doing much to keep my attention. While others may willingly subject themselves to the three hours it takes to endure this movie (Ashton), I will not be doing so anytime in the near future. 

Photo from The Guardian

By Ashton Slaughter

I’ve always loved any film with a twist, as I believe it’s a true talent to conclude a film with a well executed plot twist. Thankfully, Christopher Nolan (Oscar nominated director) is well known for incorporating these twists into his films at a very high level. Anytime a film of his is on, you can always expect to be on your toes. Although the plot twist in this film is remarkable, so is the rest of the film. As after watching it now for a second time, I’m solidified in the thought that there aren’t many films better than “Interstellar.”

The film is centered around Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and a team of researchers, professors and scientists, trying to find a new planet for Earth’s people to inhabit. This film is set in the distant future, where a dust bowl has given Earth less-than-ideal living conditions, as major dust storms have become a new norm in this dystopian future. At the films core though, the film revolves around the relationship between Cooper and Murph (Mackenzie Foy/Jessica Chastian), a deeply connected father/daughter duo. However, their relationship is strained when Cooper is called upon to explore the galaxy to save Earth’s remaining population. Murph becomes fearful and saddened at the thought of her dad being gone for a long time. This causes Murph to resent her father before his departure. This resentment continues through his time in space as he receives video messages from his son, but not Murph. This causes very emotional pain for Cooper, as all he wants is to hear from his daughter. While Murph can’t look past the feeling of abandonment she feels from her father.

Photo from Esquire

Disclaimer: I would like to say, if you are a more “casual film watcher” (such as Aidan) this may not be for you. The runtime is just under three hours and isn’t as easy of a watch as “Marley & Me” or “We Bought a Zoo.” If this is you, this isn’t a problem, by any means… just be aware of what you’re getting yourself into. 

Christopher Nolan, famously directing “The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Inception” and “Dunkirk,” outdoes himself with this film as the film (rightfully so) won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects (see the attached photos).

However, the great performances don’t just stop there. McConaughey was quite possibly robbed out of a Best Actor nomination, as his performance in this film is undeniably one of his best. The ensemble continues with standouts such as: Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Timothée Chalamet, Casey Affleck and Matt Damon. Clearly, this is a great batch of actors, as this is one of the greatest acting ensemble’s in recent history. Going back to Oscar robberies, this film absolutely deserved a Best Picture nomination as well, but didn’t receive one, which is a true crime. 

From making ocean waves that rise over a thousand feet into the sky, to showing what different planets and blackholes look like up close. The visuals in this film are so incredible to the point that you feel like you’re right beside McConaughey and along for the ride in the spaceship. As I touched on, the actors in this film are obviously very remarkable and extremely acclaimed, so who wouldn’t expect top notch acting? For an example of this best acting, here’s one of the best scenes in the whole movie. An extremely emotional scene from McConaughey in which he watches messages from both of his kids from the last 25 years, as they’ve grown from kids into full adults. This brings emotions of happiness to McConaughey’s character, before breaking down into tears realizing everything he’s missed. If you watch this clip, I promise you’ll find whatever TV is closest to you and put it on. These are just a few examples of what makes this movie so incredible.

I say all of these things to inform you guys of this: “Interstellar” is the one of greatest viewing experiences I’ve ever had. This film will make you laugh, cry and admire the stunning visuals, which I only wish I could’ve seen in IMAX. “Interstellar” should definitely be your next watch, along with a staple in your consistent rewatches.