Disappointing

Rating: 5/10 (5 October 2013)

I wanted to see this movie both for it's supposed realistic depiction of the physics of space and the interaction of lots of bodies in motion, but also because I have long enjoyed Sandra Bullock and George Clooney's movies. The special effects do not disappoint. The 3D augments without overwhelming, despite the enormous potential given the subject matter - kudos on that. The visual ride is exhilarating and pleasing. While the special effects are superb, the story is anything but. I found myself becoming deeply offended by the way Sandra Bullock played her role, showing excessive weakness for an accomplished woman in her position. It felt like a throw-back to some 1950s production. The effect was further heightened by Clooney's cloying Daddy-ness, also unbelievable for a professional astronaut, who might be expected to be confident and even macho, but to play such an over-the-top patriarchal figure exceeded my ability to suspend disbelief. And for Bullock's professional woman to simply fall into his protective dominion seemed far-fetched at best. Overall, I found the stale gender stereotypes a major turn-off that ruined the film for me. Even though the heroine finds her grit, it's not enough to erase all the weakness that comes before. As a lover of old Clint Eastwood etc, I am not unable to enjoy macho men or girly girls. But this one seemed such a throwback I emerged not just disappointed, but sincerely irritated.