I’ve noticed a common thread in criticisms of “Interstellar”: people lack the intellectual curiosity to think them through before making them.  We’ll tackle a few such criticisms here.  Have your own ideas?  Leave a comment!

How can Cooper be drinking beer?  There’s no more wheat!

While not popular in the United States, corn-based beer is common in Latin America.  In a post-blight world, it’s hardly surprising that Americans would begin producing it.

Why would they consider colonizing a planet near a black hole?  Just find a different one!

In light of the vast distances between Earth and all other planetary systems, their only option was to find a suitable planet in range of the wormhole.

Why doesn’t Doctor Mann just admit that he faked the data?  Surely they’d slap him on the wrist and offer a ride to the next planet!

“In our present situation, there’s very little chance of rescuing any others,” Cooper explains.  For a long moment, Mann stares into nothingness.  He only reengages at Brand’s cajoling.

Mann infers from Cooper’s statement that the situation is dire and that there may not be enough resources to support all four of them.  Consequently, he sticks to his lie while he gathers more information and develops a plan.

Why don’t the ‘bulk beings’ just give Earth the quantum data?

Cooper offers his theory in one of the movie’s most memorable sequences.

“All of this—one little girl’s bedroom.  Every moment is infinitely complex.  They have access to infinite time and space.  But they’re not bound by anything.  They can’t find a specific place in time that they can communicate.  That’s why I’m here.  I’m gonna find a way to tell Murph, just like I found this moment. [TARS: “How?”] Love, TARS—love.  It’s just like Brand said.  My connection with Murph—it is quantifiable.  It’s the key.”

How can Cooper give his younger self information?  It’s a paradox!

A “paradox” is just our lazy attempt at logic. Because our limited minds can’t conceive of time as non-linear—because we’re accustomed to ticking clocks—we write off the possibilities of a limitless universe.  If the past is a “canyon we can climb into” and the future “a mountain we can climb up” as Brand asserts, then there is no paradox.  Cooper did send the data; Cooper is sending the data; and Cooper will send the data.

Why does Cooper act rushed when he’s in the Tesseract?  Time isn’t moving the same for Murph!

There’s two eminently practical reasons: 1) his adrenaline is up; and 2) he’s worried about running out of oxygen (“the rangers found you with only minutes left in your oxygen supply”).  From a filmmaking standpoint, his excitement makes the sequence more dynamic.

Cooper is finally reunited with Murph, only to leave again.  What’s up with that?!

Have you ever had a loved one with a DNR? It’s an impossible choice: honor their wishes (and lose them forever) or impose your own wishes (and betray their trust).

Cooper clearly wants to stay.  However, Murph is adamant about his leaving.  In the end, Cooper honors her wishes.  It’s a final selfless act for the daughter he loves.