The best thing, worst thing, and main thing about the space epic “Gravity” in about the time it takes to watch the trailer.
REVIEW TEXT:
Well, I think the Oscar race has officially begun.
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“Gravity” is directed by Alfonso Cauron and stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as two astronauts who find themselves fighting for survival in space after some unexpected events lead to tragedy on their ship. I’ll get into the details on why here shortly, but I have to say “Gravity” may just be the best overall movie I have seen so far this year.
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Let’s start with the acting. Once again Sandra Bullock proves she is an acting force to be reckoned with. Not to short change Clooney who is also wonderful in this (as he seems to be in just about everything) but this is Sandy’s show and she owns it. Deftly capturing the growth of this woman in tragedy who finds a will to live amongst the evolving destruction around her. It’s a beautiful journey and she’s easily up to engaging us on the ride. and yes, the movie is mostly suspense, but the heart of it is deep and meaningful, as the whole experience could easily stand in for the struggle and seeming futility of life that we all may feel at times. Speaking of suspense, let’s just go ahead and call it the best thing about the movie. This movie never… lets… up. As I was leaving the theater I noticed three different tubs of popcorn in the aisles. Not unusual for people to leave their trash behind right? except for one thing… they were completely full. As if they bought popcorn.. the movie started… and they just forgot it was there. The movie is that intense. Much of this is due to the dazzling effects and pounding score. Much of it is due to the way sound was used (or not used, because of the vacuum of space). Much of it may have been how Cauron used the 3D to really give you a sense of the depth and vastness of space. Speaking of which, this is a no brainer to see in IMAX 3D. Even if you don’t usually like 3D, do it.. you’ll thank me later. The point being the team behind “Gravity” have crafted a near perfect film that manages to be both visually stunning and narratively compelling. I also loved the way the film used scientific detail as part of the film without feeling like it had to spell it out for the audience. Though in some ways that assumption leads to the only negative thing I could come up with to say about Gravity.
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Plausibility. There were a couple moments in the film that my suspension of disbelief alarm started to go off. Could what I just saw, really happen? But the movie was so relentless and beautiful I didn’t have long to linger on those thoughts and I gladly flipped the switch to shut that alarm off.
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All in all “Gravity” has all the makings of a masterpiece. Stunning visuals, beautiful metaphor, transcendent action, and some of our greatest actors at the top of their game. Even if the occasional moment seemed a bit implausible, I’d be selling it short if I gave it anything less than an A.
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