Compelling, Exciting, Stunning and spare - perfect

Rating: 10/10 (6 December 2013)

I love "hard" science fiction, where what you see is entirely within the laws of physics, a re- made true universe in which human beings are subjected to the most unusual of "true" circumstances not found on earth. The level of accuracy here is quite amazing, and only minor truths are changed to advance the plot and keep it compact and breathlessly well- paced.
Both Sandra Bullock and George Clooney shine in this spare and amazingly well-paced movie. This is not a 90 minute movie stretched to 2.5 hours, this is a 90 minute movie presented as it happens. Outstanding!
Ms Bullock's best ever role, after a mostly wasted career (in my rarely humble opinion). She is a mission specialist, not a "full blown" astronaut, with limited space training, as compared to Mr Clooney's faultless performance as the seasoned, "true" spaceman. The balance between their performances is nuanced and true.
This is the first movie (after the jungle scenes in Avatar) which truly benefits from the 3D treatment. I wish we could return to active-shutter 3D glasses, the current ones noticeably reduce brightness and color, sadly. But nonetheless, the 3D adds amazing depth in the optical airlessness of space.
I also found shades of the first Ripley re-born in Ms Bullock's space girl. She truly grows in the roll before our eyes, showing that women truly can be just as competent and creative as any man.
I award this movie my highest rating. See it on the big screen NOW.