Gravity Movie Review

Gravity (2013)

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Written by: Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón
Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris(voice)
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
Two astronauts work together to survive after an accident leaves them stranded in space.

Verdict
Incredible all around, from the script and directing to the acting and special effects. This movie quickly becomes very intense and doesn't let up save for a couple of brief moments. This is a ride where you'll realize you've been holding your breath, and what a ride it is. You've got to embark on this journey. Few movies feel so quick, intense and at times helpless.
Watch It.

Review
I saw this soon after it released. It was one of those must-see movies that everyone was talking about, from the realistic depiction of space to the visuals effects that were in nearly every scene. Cuarón was already well established with Prisoner of Azkaban and Children of Men, but this movie catapulted him to the top tier of current directors.

This starts with a space crew on a simple mission that shows off the digital effects. The characters float in space as a satellite orbits. There's a mention of space debris, but is shouldn't affect the astronauts. It's not an issue until is. It's heading their way. The direction, music, and visuals drive the tension as the simple mission rapidly devolves to chaos. Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is soon untethered, spinning end over end away from the ship. What an image. This is the fist fifteen minute. It's an incredible opening backed by great direction.

George Clooeny and Sandra Bullock play Kowalski and Stone

This is a technical feat in direction when so much of what we see are visual effects added after the fact. While a lot of the visuals came later, Cuarón had the vision of what this would be.

Kowalski (George Clooney) is the cool captain and a grizzled veteran. Clooney plays the part well, but the dialog certainly helps. I like what the movie does with the character. He's helping first time astronaut Stone through this ordeal.

Sandra Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone

This is a white knuckle movie. As soon as the mission turns bad, this doesn't let up. This has such a quick pace, and it doesn't build up the events. They just happen and the plot continues to the next event. The entire movie is basically on the 'run' as Stone is trying to survive and nothing goes right. There's a moment half way in to let us, and Stone, catch our breath but then it's back to do or die.

This movie is such a ride. It's tiring because it's so stressful. Stone is on the edge of death nearly the entire movie. Just when you think this might let up, it keeps pressing. This movie is a masterclass in pacing and plotting.