Fantastic

Rating: 9/10 (6 October 2013)

James Cameron was correct when he said Gravity is "the best space film ever made" (with a close second for 2001: A Space Odyssey). The special effects are magnificent and seamless, the cinematography and choreography are breathtaking, and the thematic elements are not reduced by the simple concept of the story.
This film is beautiful to watch. If you watch it for nothing else, just enjoy the enthralling scenes of debris tearing through shuttles and space stations, or the amazing shots of Earth from space. Cuarón's signature long cuts contribute to the palpable tension and realism of the movie.
The special effects are astounding. The zero-gravity environment is completely believable and precisely created. It is astounding to think that this film could not be made so seamlessly without actually filming in Earth orbit.
Sandra Bullock is excellent, and though George Clooney's role is relatively minor, Clooney is also great. Some of Gravity's criticism has been toward the supposed weak characterization and synthetic banter between the two characters, but this was not evident to me, and is really a footnote on a nearly flawless film.
The story is somewhat weak and simple, but completely original and mostly accurate. The only inaccuracy is the proximity of space stations and debris orbits, but, again, this is a minor detail. Cuarón makes the most of this story with some beautiful and simple messages.
We march toward death as surely as gravity draws falling objects toward Earth. But it's one hell of a ride. If you haven't seen Gravity, watch it as soon as you can.