The one thing I was totally worried about going into this film was that my expectations were too high but after having seen it twice and STILL wanting to watch it and think about it I really doubt anyone could have expectations that even come close to exceeding the triumph that is this film.
I had to watch it twice to pick up on the little details like HIS actual totem rather than Mal's, the ages of the kids, the fact that Mal actually stabs (maybe even kills) him whilst in limbo, causing him to end up on the shore to bring Saito home, etc.
Whether or not the ending was meant to be ambiguous is not the point...I think it feels ambiguous for a reason, that who you are as a person and how you look at things will determine how you interpret the ending. As always, I feel like Nolan wants every viewer to connect to the characters and inevitably because of that our own experiences will dictate how we take in his films, The Dark Knight and Inception included.
One thing that I do love about his work is that the plot and the special effects serve the characters, not the other way around, which is an important distinction in this era of film. I agree with those who are happy it wasn't in 3D, for this film it wouldn't have brought anything new to the table, in fact I think it would have cheapened it.
Overall, the overwhelming feeling I get from this film is perfection. Honest to God, there really isn't a single thing I would change about it and I am usually very nit-picky. The casting was impeccable, and while I do think Leo has played this kind of character before he still nails this role and I can't really picture anyone else doing it. I absolutely LOVE this film.
As far as scoring goes, I agree, Hans Zimmer truly knocked it out of the park, and I feel Zack Hemsey's trailer score fell so in line with it that I almost didn't know it wasn't part of the original film music. That link to the music comparison blew my mind wide open. I adore things like that. The connections that we don't notice *consciously*
Also, since everyone here seems to have truly enjoyed this film, I highly recommend going to yahoo movies and reading some of the F reviews. It's very amusing. Coming out of the theatre after the first time I watched it an older woman told me it was "overrated and convoluted and much too long" and I merely responded that some movies "ought to have an IQ requirement to purchase a ticket"
Anyway, sorry this was hideously long, but I needed somewhere to talk about it because it's been buzzing in my head for more than a week now.
PS, I paid full price for this movie, and I never pay full price...and I would pay full price again and again. It's easily the most worthwhile film I've seen I don't know how long.