2001 is one of the most over-hyped flicks of all time. And you're correct, it was super-slow. But this was a Kubrick film, so all the film critics and hoity-toity intellectuals climbed over each other to praise it. I saw it and lost concentration several times. However, the b word cannot be mentioned in many circles about a Kubrick film. But I don't care (nobody has ever invited me to Manhattan cocktail party...nor should they)...except for several sequences...the flick was BORRRRRRRRRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually, all of his post-Strangelove films got a lot of mixed to bad reviews upon release. 2001 was panned both by The New York Times and Pauline Kael. Their stature has risen with the years. 2001 is only boring if you need constant narrative stimulation. Its’ form fit and enhanced its content.