Everything you heard about this space thriller is true – it is a great piece of cinematic work

Rating: 9/10 (12 October 2013)

If you have been reading movie new and reviews online, you'd probably know by now how everyone is raving about the greatness of Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron's latest work. This review will tell you the same thing, but instead of gushing about visually stunning it is from the on start, let's begin by discussing how this writer is actually impressed with female lead Sandra Bullock's performance – for once.
Don't get him wrong, this columnist has nothing against the Academy Award winner. His first encounter with the 49 year old actress was in 1994's Speed, but as anyone would kindly remind you, the attention was on a certain Keanu Reeves. The actress then went on to make a name in movies like Miss Congeniality (2000), Crash (2004) and The Lake House (2006). She finally won an Oscar for her role in The Blind Side (2009), which, with no offence intended, isn't a particularly outstanding performance, at least in this humble writer's opinion.
It is with this space thriller that this reviewer is convinced that Bullock is a credible actress. She plays a medical engineer on her first outer space mission with a veteran astronaut. The first shuttle mission goes amok when a seemingly routine spacewalk becomes a disaster, leaving the shuttle destroyed and the two of them completely stranded and alone in outer space.
You'd wonder, how much acting can Bullock showcase when she's in a space suit most of the time? Some clever scriptwriting will actually have her character out of the suit (in a body fitting tank top, no less) and impressing with her personable and surprisingly poignant performance as a grieving mother whose life is on a brink. We will not be surprised if she picks up acting nominations during the upcoming award season. There's nothing like giving recognition to the actress who has been working hard in showbiz starring in a hyped up film like this.
Enough about Bullock for now, so what's in it for viewers who are interested in, to put simply, a good movie? Lots, apparently. You may have heard how this is the best space movie ever made, how this will leave you terrified and awed at the same time, and how it immerses you in an unforgettable viewing experience. Truth is, the statements are all spot on. Without sounding like a fan boy, we'll encourage you to experience this movie yourself. Although we didn't watch the film in IMAX3D format, we can assume it will be one memorable 91 minute movie you actually won't mind spending a few extra bucks on.
Does Cuaron's (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men) cinematic masterpiece have emotionally affecting moments? While movies with characters reflecting on life whilst staring at death in the face are aplenty, this one works, probably due to the commendable performance by the leads.
Yup, there is another cast member acting alongside Bullock, and he comes in the form of the irresistible George Clooney. While he plays a supporting character, you cannot deny the actor's screen presence. His every line in the movie will leave you assured that he is one dude you'd want at your party.
And oh, do watch out for the sequence with floating tear drops. Trust us, they are even more awesome in 3D.