Action-thriller "Inception" warrants ‘masterpiece’ status

The summer 2010 film season is to cinema lovers what the Dust Bowl of the 1930s was to the American farmers; while it wasn't the end of the world, it's under general consensus that it was a pretty major disaster.

That being said, "Inception" stands out as the singular event that makes the drought bearable.

"Inception" is Christopher Nolan's newest epic brainchild to hit theaters. If Nolan wasn't considered a master filmmaker before, he's definitely earned the title now. After the blockbuster successes of "Batman Begins", "The Prestige" and "The Dark Knight," he set the bar for ‘Inception' absurdly high—and the movie clears it with flying colors.

"Inception" is a genre-smearing story that follows Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his inglorious squad of thieves. They delve into the minds of targets through their dreams, stealing vital information to sell off in mercenary fashion.

As the story progresses, a mysterious businessman (Ken Watanabe) commissions the crew for what will be their most challenging job to date—to perfect and use the lost art of inception, the ability to plant an idea in a target's head instead of removing one. For Cobb's final commission, the businessman promises Cobb sanctuary back in his home country from which he was exiled.

To guarantee his success, Cobb bops around the world, collecting the perfect team for this final notorious excursion, and that's where the chaos begins.

For film lovers and casual theatergoers alike, this movie is an incredible treat, but that doesn't mean the movie is perfect.

For every mind-blowing line and for every revolutionary action scene, there are at least 10 minutes of incredibly boring exposition thrown around. Believe me, that really drags the movie down for a lot of people. In fact, these intervals are the biggest and most prevalent problem with the movie.

To be fair, the story is incredibly complex and requires immense explanation to make it all seem plausible. Cobb's crew explains everything in a way as to not condescend the audience. But at the same time, trying to follow every detail will just drive a viewer insane. You have to commit to paying attention if you want everything ‘Inception' has to offer.

Some of you may be flinching at that last sentence, but if my word means anything to you, I'll put my reputation on the line and tell you every second is worth it. Nolan works magic with a story and a camera that I've never seen before "Inception." Even if you despise this movie through its beginning, if your heart doesn't bleed for the main character by the end, you're clinically dead.

At best, "Inception" revolutionizes film as we know it. At worst, the movie gives you a lot to talk about, and that's worth the ticket price alone, don't you think?

4 out of 5 stars

A Warner Brothers Pictures production

Written/Directed by Christopher Nolan

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page

Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout