I didn't think it was that good!

Rating: 8/10 (11 October 2013)

'GRAVITY': Four Stars (Out of Five)
This sci-fi 'man vs. nature' disaster film has already won over critics and audiences alike (in the first week of it's theatrical release) and is now considered the frontrunner to win 'Best Picture' at this year's Oscars (which would make it the first science fiction film to ever do so). It's directed by acclaimed Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron (who also helmed such critically loved films as 2006's 'CHILDREN OF MEN', 2004's 'HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN' and 2001's 'Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN'). He co-wrote the film with his son Jonas, which is about two astronauts lost in space while struggling to survive the elements and make it home alive. The film stars just two actors: Sandra Bullock and George Clooney (along with the voice talents of Ed Harris, who has appeared in other classic space films like 'APOLLO 13' and 'THE RIGHT STUFF', and a few others). Bullock does give a very impressive performance and Cuaron's direction is once again topnotch but it's the 3D visuals that really make this film a one-of-a-kind experience.
Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineer on her first mission in space. Clooney plays Matt Kowalski, the commanding astronaut of the flight on his last space mission before retiring. They're on a routine spacewalk attempting a tune-up of the Hubble Space Telescope when debris (from the destruction of a Russian satellite) comes hurdling their way. The debris damage their shuttle beyond repair and kills the rest of their crew, leaving Stone and Kowalski adrift in space tethered just to each other. Communications with Mission Control are completely lost as the two attempt to make their way to the International Space Station near by.
The film has been praised by my favorite filmmakers James Cameron (who received a 'special thanks' credit at the end of the movie, along with some of my other favorite directors like David Fincher and Guillermo del Toro) and Quentin Tarantino. Cameron called it "the best space film ever done"! It's also been praised by real life astronaut legend Buzz Aldrin and almost every film critic. It's guaranteed to get multiple Oscar nominations and (like I said) is now predicted to take home the top prize. I didn't think it was that good. I enjoyed the movie but didn't find it to be one of the very best of the year. Technically it's a flawless masterpiece and the 3D is amazing but it's not as visually striking (or nearly as good a film) as Cameron's own 'AVATAR'. Bullock does give one of the better performances of the year playing a character that's similar to another classic sci-fi heroine: Ellen Ripley (in vulnerability and resilient strength) and the 'man vs. nature' storyline is always a compelling one but this movie mainly works as a beautiful visual feast and little more. Does it deserve to win best picture and all the critical praise it's been getting? No... but it is definitely still worth seeing for the scenery alone.
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