Early reviews for Chris Nolan’s new movie Inception have started hitting the internet and unfortunately, you won’t see a review here on Cinema Blend until next week. Warner Bros. has chosen to screen the film only to a carefully selected group of LA critics, which means that as a savvy moviegoer, you should be at least a little suspicious until everyone, regardless of their geography or studio connections, is allowed a go at it.
Yet the early praise for Inception is so universal, so effusive, that it’s somewhat unbelievable that the studio didn’t simply screen the film for everyone all at once, to eliminate any lingering doubts of its greatness. Reading through the dozen or so reviews which have been posted you’ll discover it most often being compared to the works of Kubrick as it's hailed as one of the best movies of the decade and definitely of the year.
If there’s any criticism being leveled at Inception it’s that reviewers aren’t sure the average moviegoer will get it, as if they believe Nolan’s movie is simply too smart for the rank and file. It’s a cynical point of view, and one which I hope ends up having no merit.
Below you’ll find pull quotes and links to some of the most worthwhile early Inception reviews which have been posted. My goal here is to filter out reviews from critics who are unable to form opinions, or from those whose opinions are most likely to be compromised by their studio relationships. What you’ll find below are honest critics with real opinions, and volumes and volumes of praise for Inception. It’ll have to hold you over until early next week when we’ll be allowed in on the fun with our own take on Nolan’s new movie...
“I expected a lot, but still walked out hypnotized. Here's a movie that's 3 steps ahead of you, on 4 different levels, at 5 blinding speeds. Best of 2010 thus far.” - Steven Snyder, Techland“A wildly entertaining and dazzling mind-trip not to be missed. Kubrick would have been proud.” - Pete Hammond, Box Office Magazine“Even when it’s over, the movie stays with you, begging for conversation, discussion, debate and, eventually, another viewing. I’m sure it’ll even pop up in your dreams.” - Mike Sampson, JoBlo.com“Inception is a breathtaking achievement and a movie-going experience well worth your time and investment. In a year full of 3D remakes, reboots, sequels, and empty star vehicles, one hopes audiences will reward such terrific but challenging original entertainment with their wallets.” - Jim Vejvoda, IGN“One of the ten best pictures of the year, maybe even of the last ten.” - Sasha Stone, Awards Daily“What is most infuriating about "Inception" is how close it gets to being something really great. Instead, we're left with "Solaris" (but never as existential or as meditative) meets "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (but never as fun or thrilling).” - Silas Lesnick, ComingSoon.net“Oscar nominations in technical categories are a certainty, but Inception is also a strong contender for multiple nominations, including Best Picture.” - Anne Thompson, TOH“If movies are shared dreams, then Christopher Nolan is surely one of Hollywood's most inventive dreamers, given the evidence of his commandingly clever Inception.” - Justin Chang, Variety“A devilishly complicated, fiendishly enjoyable sci-fi voyage across a dreamscape that is thoroughly compelling.” - Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter
