GRAVITY  4.0****

 

 Gravity is an explosive, white-knuckle sci-fi instant classic, a wonder to behold from amazingly realistic effects  to an electrifying, compelling story and outstanding performances  by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.  

The U.S Space Shuttle Explorer is docked at the International Space Station. Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock), on her first space mission, is installing an external device on the station that will enable astronomers to peer even deeper into space. Meanwhile, the mission commander Kowalski (Clooney), on his final mission, merrily spacewalks in a jet pack; other crew members perform maintenance or communicate with Earth. Then trouble strikes including their losing all communication with earth.. Thereafter there is hardly a moment when you are not on the edge of your seat. Stone and Kowalski veer from problem to problem, everything accentuate by the simple fact that they are alone up there, not even able to contact NASA. It's a terrifying situation. Most of us might have a slight panic attack if we're stranded on the side of the road without a cell phone. Imagine being up in the heavens with no apparent way to get down. I will not delve into the plot any more than I already have. The astute viewer will still have trouble guessing the outcome and the twists within the movie, particularly because the action is so hard-driven while still being utterly coherent and plausible.

The use of 3D in movies is more times than not just a money-making device ( $3.00 more per ticket) than a visual enhancement.  But the 3D effects in Gravity are used so expertly  that whether you are approaching an object at high velocity or it is approaching you, you feel immersed in the scene, not distracted from it. It is the best use of 3d technology of any film to date. Then when you add to that  IMax screen and sound, it is spectacular. And  this is a breakthrough film in many other ways. Director Cuaron crossed boundaries and he didn't have the technology to do it, so he created it (especially the effect of weightlessness or zero gravity)  . It has been a  long time since you could go  a movie and experience these kind of emotions as vividly and in so many different levels. Cuaron guides us into an amazing out-of-this-earth journey.  

There are plenty of heart-stopping moments in Gravity, even for the most jaded of viewers. It is fantastic storytelling supported by fantastic cinematography. It may be too early for movies to get serious award- season consideration, but I'll come out and say this right now: Gravity is one of the very best movies of the year and my bet is that Sandra Bullock will be an Oscar nominee for Best Actress.

 

Clark

 

NOTE: I saw it in 3D at Imax and highly recommend that you do also to get the maximum experience .