Sandra Bullock in Gravity (©2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment)
There are at least three good reasons to see Gravity. For starters, you’ll gain new appreciation for the essentials we take for granted in our planet’s friendly atmosphere, such as oxygen, gravity, and sound. Gravity takes us 372 miles above the earth, “where life is impossible,” with a small space crew on a routine mission—if outer space can ever be routine.
Gravity (©2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment)
Engineer Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is repairing the Hubble Telescope, and she’s too tense to enjoy her first space voyage. But veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) is jet-propelling like a kid with a toy, enjoying the freedom, the space, the attention, and the view. Aaaah, the view. That would be reason #2. The visuals are spectacular. Thanks to 3D, CGI, and two years in technical production, you will experience the feeling of wide open space against the expansive earthscape that’s brilliant, beautiful, and crystal clear like we’ve never seen it. Those uncut opening minutes are unforgettable. If you’re waiting for the DVD, think again, unless the home theater in your basement is IMAX.
Gravity (©2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment)
Gravity’s seasoned filmmakers hail from Mexico, including director Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men), who co-wrote the script with his son Jonás Cuarón, and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, whose extensive credits include Tree of Life.
And the cast of two is, obviously, not about quantity. Bullock and Clooney are a strong team of opposites whose personalities demonstrate the coexisting joy and fear of space travelers. These two astronauts face the kinds of danger we can’t imagine, especially those of us who panic if we’re late getting to the movie and afraid of missing the opening scene.
Gravity (©2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment)
And here comes reason #3. Gravity is such a powerful cinematic experience that you might want to practice gripping your seat without cramping your fingers. Gravity is the fight for survival in a hostile environment. It’s about thinking on your feet, even when you’re spinning upside-down. It’s about being resourceful and optimistic without being unrealistic. It’s about keeping a cool head in the heat of danger, and cool is Kowalski’s M.O. He knows how to calm Stone, who’s nervous even when everything goes right. You will be terrified right along with her, and as grateful as she is for Kowalski, who brings sanity to the impossible challenges of space.
And now that you appreciate the power of this film, I’ll mention my disappointments, but assume they will not be yours. First, the theme of a story lies within the plot, quietly, waiting to be discovered. When it lights up like the headline on a billboard, it weakens the impact. Second, there’s a screen moment that dampens the momentum and makes me almost stop caring. This could have been a deal breaker if the film wasn’t so overwhelming. But never mind the whining of a viewer with a byline. The execution is masterful and, in spite of those weird eyeglasses, I got sucked into the 3D experience. If you’re like most viewers, the visuals and suspense will be so potent that seeing Gravity once might not be enough. B+