Inception: A Mayor Koch Review

Hype, hype, hype, is what we have here. Inception is all about dreams and the control of dreams in others to accomplish some criminal purpose. From the first frame to the last, I watched the movie unfold and thought: Why did the critics give this junk their highest ratings? It does not hold a candle to the Matrix series, except for the special effects, which are spectacular, but which never touch your emotions.

There are a number of good actors in the film -- including its star, Leonardo DiCaprio -- all of whom, regrettably, walk through the picture without leaving an imprint.

To watch my review, click below. And for my full library of reviews, check out Mayor at the Movies. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter.

 

Follow Ed Koch on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mayoredkoch

Comments

[AbsolutDemocrat]

02:59 PM on 08/04/2010

Since when does Ed Koch review movies? How did this fly right over my head?

[Eleanor gla]

06:58 AM on 08/04/2010

The Matrix series was probably not the best example to use of high-quality, watchable movies. Keanu Reeves couldn't act his way out of a paper bag. Agreed on the hype, though. Inception was interminable and relentlessly epic in the worst way possible.

[Winning09]

12:52 AM on 08/04/2010

Good Lord, what a load.

I guess you never even saw the last 2 Matrix flicks, which were increasingly unwatchable...

>>>> It does not hold a candle to the Matrix series, except for the special effects, which are spectacular, but which never touch your emotions.

[cookmeyer1970]

07:58 PM on 08/03/2010

the Matrix *series*? The first one was great- the others reeked and ruined a once great premise. Inception was a smart action movie. I've seen it twice in the theaters and will be buying it when it comes out on DVD. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and it's inevitable that there'll be some who just don't get the appeal. But people wouldn't be returning to the theater to see it again, as well as telling their friends, if it was only hype driving it. It would have had a great opening weekend and no legs.

[ValdaDeDieu]

06:57 PM on 08/03/2010

Oy, Mr. Koch, I am a HUGE fan of the Matrix, but I don't see the basis for INCEPTION's negative comparison to it. Both are excellent, revolutionary, and both deserve a place in the top 100 films of the 21st century. Why don't you start an online petition to have Matrix re-released in 3D...Then we'll really see how deep the rabbit hole goes...

[cdub1991]

06:36 PM on 08/03/2010

Apparently my initial response was too caustic, so I'll try again. Movies have to satisfy a minimum level of competency (to make them watchable). Beyond that, you judge them by what they are attempting to do as opposed to what you wish they had attempted. Inception was not Shakespeare; wasn't trying to be. It had a couple of problems, already noted--weak character development, the presence of an arctic fortress which seemed contrived (unless, of course, the explanation just slipped past me, which would not have been surprising with this plot). However, the one word that comes to mind for this movie was "Fun." I had fun watching it. I found myself leaning into it, thoroughly engrossed, trying to follow the twists and turns and no--it wasn't too much work. It was fun. The 2 1/2 hours just flew by. I can't help but think that's what Nolan had in mind and he accomplished that goal without being formulaic. (Even though--at it's heart--it really was just a "heist movie.") I want to see it again in a theater and for me, that's the ultimate thumbs up. So hype--no. It deserves the attention it's received.

P.S. Since when did the Matrix become a standard against which other movies are measured?

[im10ashus]

04:33 PM on 08/03/2010

Like your endorsement of George W. Bush in 2004, you are WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!

[aceshigh]

04:16 PM on 08/03/2010

How'm I doin'? How'm I doin'?

[Momklok]

02:09 PM on 08/03/2010

I thought it was very well done and is nothing like the MATRIX so you can't compare them. Like any movie, everyone has to make his/her own decision. Don't let this guy's opinion scare you away.

[Norma Jeane]

02:07 PM on 08/03/2010

It all depends on the popcorn for me and God forbid somebody has got my seat .
DLP is a must but they have the sound too low . If you seat behind me be warned
do not hit the back of my seat . The 007 snow scene was not needed . Michael
Caine should have had more screen time . Enjoyed the Nowness and the Higgness .

[96Bravo]

10:22 AM on 08/03/2010

It's better than the Matrix series. Perhaps reviewing movies just isn't your thing?