Gravity (2013)

Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, space debris

Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Y Tu Mamá También)

Synopsis: Astronauts uncover the terrible secret of space so space tries to kill them by throwing sharp objects at them over and over.

Best part(s): There are a lot of great moments in this picture but my personal favorite experience of one of those moments was when Sandra Bullock detached from the shuttle and went hurtling off into space. Seeing this in IMAX 3D, as she was spinning against the backdrop of darkness and stars (at 1:26 in the clip below), it really seemed like I was looking at someone on a stage in front of me, spinning around on a wire harness as part of Gravity: The Musical. I’d say it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen in 3D at a movie since the floating demon heads at the end of Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare.

Worst part: *SPOILER!* This has been pointed out numerous times I believe but I just don’t understand why Clooney had to cut himself loose. Couldn’t she have just tugged on him? Did that come out wrong? (after looking it up, apparently, yes, according to science, she could have just gently, oh so gently, tugged on him)

Best line: Matt: “Grab something! Grab anything!” (I use that line a lot in the bedroom.)

Nudity: No nudity but man does Sandra Bullock rock some hot pants.

Firing thrusters, Houston!

Overall: This post marks the 757,294th review of Gravity on WordPress just today, so you don’t need me telling you once again how good it is. I haven’t seen anyone out there who doesn’t like this movie, which is a pretty rare feat for a major motion picture. If you’re thinking about seeing it just go because it really does need to be seen in the theater, especially IMAX 3D. It’s probably the first movie since Avatar where the 3D actually adds something to the experience, and unlike Avatar, Gravity is a good movie that doesn’t rip off numerous other movies or have giant blue people raping space animals with their ponytails. Gravity will still be a good movie a year from now when you watch it on HBO at home, but likely won’t feel as spectacular as it does in the theater. The visuals are just that amazing and deserve to be seen on the biggest scale possible. I was genuinely tense throughout most of it, and I can’t even tell you the last time that’s happened outside of Shakma. Now, like Shakma, Gravity isn’t without it’s faults, such as the above-mentioned Worst Part, some weak character development, and a major suspension of disbelief about the whole situation. But, like Shakma, it’s such a fantastic ride that any flaws can easily be forgiven. Don’t weight, succumb to the pressure of the force of Gravity and let it pull you in!

Score: 9 pairs of hot pants (out of 10)