I saw the film again on Tuesday night, and while I think its flaws were more conspicuous to me, I also became much more aware of its impressive thematic richness. Contra some of the critical responses–and my own initial impressions–I think it’s a very rich film. It’s not necessarily as humanistic as Nolan seems to think, but there’s a *lot* more going on here than is immediately apparent. I’ll have some second thoughts on the film posted soon.

“Inception’s real strength is that of an exigent science-fiction thriller that pushes the limits of storytelling, the sort of grand cinematic contraption that seduces with its sheer baroque audacity. Nolan’s vision may be more polished and literal-minded than a genuine state of dreaming, but it nonetheless leaves you breathless, unsteady, and wondering what just happened.”