A true independent film that uses animation techniques to their utmost.

The question comes up often in life: What's your favorite movie? Since October 2001, the answer has been easy and one I shoot back reflexively almost before someone's finished the question: "Waking Life."

The novelty of the much-lauded animation style wears off about halfway through, with the end result a film that's more interminable than anything else.

The endless philosophising is a bit sophomoric and more jokes would help, but this is one of a kind that grows more absorbing the longer it runs.

It is not the best film of the year, nor is it likely to be one that I purchase and watch often. Still, it is something that should be seen by everyone and experienced by any diehard film lover.

I applaud Linklater for [directing] such an interesting ride. But it suffers from a lack of sensistivity to its audience...

Linklater's most visually distinctive movie, with exquisitely detailed renderings ... that are at the same time unstable, floaty, in a way perfect for a dreamed reality.

It reminded me of college.

This audacious movie may put some people to sleep; for others, it’ll be a wakeup call on the possibilities of screen storytelling