Interstellar is certainly visually thrilling.  The movie transitions quickly from a near apocalyptic “Dust Bowl” Earth to space scenes.  Director and writer Christopher Nolan does not disappoint in this regard, and I would argue that the movie looks better aesthetically than recent science-fiction movies like Ender’s Game, Oblivion, and Edge of Tomorrow.  The space scenes are exciting in that they show incredibly realistic (or at least scientifically possible) yet beautiful images of Saturn, a black hole (called “Gargantua”) and a worm hole.  Perhaps even more amazing are the images from the planets the voyagers on the shuttle “Endurance” visit.

The plot moves quickly, and in the spirit of Christopher Nolan’s Inception it is at times difficult to follow.  With that being said, Matthew McConaughey is excellent portraying a retired NASA space pilot turned farmer.  While the action in the movie is intense, the character interactions are meant to drive the film forward.  Many times, the dialogue seems stilted and transparent (when Anne Hathaway goes into a dialogue about the transcending powers of love between her and a man she has not seen in years).  However, Cooper’s (Matthew McConaughey) relationship with Murphy (Mackenzie Foy, later Jessica Chastain) is developed quite well as the movie goes on.  One of the more interesting aspects of the movie is the effect relativity has on Cooper when he is voyaging, when (and if) he returns his daughter will most likely be much older than he is.  Michael Caine also plays a morally torn NASA scientist attempting to discover an answer to a physics problem that could potentially save the world.

Interstellar is undoubtedly worth watching.  It attempts to combines the scientific mysticism of 2001: A Space Odyssey with the twists of Inception.  While partially successful, the play relies far too much on a “dues ex machina” plot conclusion involving [Spoiler] fifth dimensional super-humans who have the ability to bend space and time.  While generally closely following many scientific concepts, the movie has some minor plot holes (in addition to a mildly unrealistic villain).     Nonetheless, when the Interstellar ended, I found myself wanting to watch the movie again, if only to see the incredible visuals and compelling (but meandering) plot line.