Jaws will drop

Rating: 9/10 (17 January 2014)

2013 was a weak year for movies overall, but it did have this, a breathtaking and mind blowing sci-fi masterpiece which boots most of 2013's other releases into a bin liner. The plot is simple: 2 astronauts try to survive a space disaster. However, this is Alfonso Cuaron directing so it's not that straightforward. I've only seen the film once at the Imax, and I don't know if it would hold up on a repeat viewing on a smaller screen. The story won't wow anybody either, so just sit back and let it draw you in. You'll be glad you did. As the 2 astronauts Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are excellent, while in terms of visual effects space has never looked better. The film is one of the few movies that used 3D properly and actually immerses you in the experience instead of just being a gimmick which makes more money and forces people to wear annoying glasses for the whole movie. If you want to be jaw dropped for 90 minutes this is the film for you, since every single frame oozes glorious CGI and amazing photography.
Some have criticized the script, but loads of development and sentimentality would have sent the film crashing down to earth, so stop complaining! As a visual experience, there really isn't anything else like it and the ending when Sandra Bullock returns to earth will make you want to punch the air. It does actually have an emotional core and it is a powerful survival story that actually pays attention to science and feels plausible. The star of the show is Cuaron, whose use of long takes, tracking shots and camera movement pull audiences right into the film and never let go. Most would argue The Conjuring is 2013's most scary film, but this is arguably even more suspenseful and palm sweating. This is the best thrill ride of 2013 and one of the most technically accomplished movies ever, managing to pack more visual dazzle, emotional power and humanity into 90 minutes than Avatar did in 162 minutes.
9/10