Mike Goes To Movies

 Tenet (2020) TLDR: A true 'Nolan-extravaganza': it is shiny and fun to look at, yet utterly nonsensical and devoid of anything resembling an emotional core. Smartly, the film never stops for even a moment's breath to let you reflect on its absurd logic, which might enable you to see the plentiful holes in this piece of cinematic swiss cheese.  There is no denying that people were clamouring to see Nolan's newest blockbuster Tenet. He is arguably the master of contemporary smart action, which makes every new film he comes out with one that comes with preconceived excitement and hype. On top of that, not only was Tenet always to be one of this year's biggest releases, but it also now rings in the re-opening of theatres across the globe, making this film, on multiple levels, a big deal.  In some ways, Tenet does succeed in creating a celebratory reason to return to the silver screen: it is an ostentatious film, shot in mammoth IMAX ratio, and filled with wondrous acti...

Interstellar (2014) To me, Christopher Nolan's ambitious space-epic, Interstellar , is a bit like The Goog - a signature dish from a great ice cream place in my hometown. What the hell is The Goog? Well, it is  a deluge of dessert delicacy - it is a gargantuan upside down blueberry shake, with a hot fudge sundae, and bananas, all topped with whipped cream. Yes... that obviously sounds incredible. And it does taste good for the most part... But in reality, every time I've ordered The Goog I've ended up receiving a horrible stomach ache about halfway through and ultimately unable to finish it. Sadly, the Goog just tries too hard; it's just too much 'good' for one thing. Like The Goog, Interstellar tries its hand at being a little of bit something for everyone. It is a lengthy three hours and yet it still feels like its overflowing with plot points, tones and themes. The film should be commended for its high ambitions, and, most of the time, Nolan has been ab...