I really didn't think I would care about seeing a movie about blue people - not sure why ... thought it was not my thing. This and the rumor that the story is not that compelling left me waiting to see this in week 4 - in still a crowded theater. I could not have been more surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie - and the story is great / classic storytelling in a new world ... Though don't take kids under 12... it is more dialogue driven than it appears and think many of the younger kids were bored.
It is everything you've heard and more. The acting is as strong as the special effects, and is really how it should be - even for the big summer blockbusters. This is the model of the future and I think the blockbuster genre is heading in a new direction. I loved that Nolan stayed away from CGI and got back to the core of movie making. I could tell and appreciated it. I couldn't tell Heath was in the movie, which tells you how well he played the Joker. They had set it up for him to make return performances in future sequels, and of course, now that is not possible. Nor will it be for them to replace him. Christian's performance is as strong and I loved seeing them on screen together. Kudos to the rest of the cast. All very strong - Michael, Morgan, Aaron, Maggie... Thanks for a great ride - and will be going back again before the summer's over, which I have not done in many years!