"Gravity"

I had hoped to see this movie on the IMAX, but then it had to make way for "The Hunger Games", boo, but thankfully it has returned to this superior format and this morning I had the pleasure of seeing what is possibly the best film of the year so far.

Dr. Stone has created a piece of equipment, and given that it can be used on the Space Shuttle, her expertise is pivotal for mending said equipment, so she finds herself high above the Earth with Space veteran Dr. Matt Kowalski. All is going well, that is until the Russians decide to destroy a rogue spy satellite. That is not what initially causes the problem, but the debris from the destruction of that satellite crashes into some others, and creates further debris and unfortunately it is heading at a very fast speed in the space crews direction.
They execute an immediate evacuation, but alas time is not on their side, and their craft is hit with the full force of the debris. Naturally there are casualties, and the crew have to work together in order to get to a neighbouring station, and get back to Earth.

As the debris approaches, the tension is really cranked up to a nailbiting level. You are willing the film to move faster so you can find out the fate of the space crew. The combination of the amazing camera work and the score make it one of the most tense scenes I have seen on film.
George Clooney is on great form as Kowalski, the leader of the team, the figureheard, the voice of experience and authority, a role he plays well. The real surprise is Sandra Bullock, whom you would not necessarily peg for this role, but she plays it so well, I would go as far as say that it is a career best performance from her. She excels as Dr. Stone.

Regarding the climax, and lead character Dr Stone has accepted her fate, whatever that may be. The question is, if she has come to terms with her possible impending death, would the outcome be more sentimental if she dies and is reunited with her daughter, or that she survives and lives a full life back on Earth .

Visually the film is of the highest level, from remarkable images of the Earth, to when the shuttle is bombatded by the debris. There is also an amazing shot as we close in on Dr. Stone, as we get ever closer to the visor in her spacesuit, then the next thing we are actually in the spacesuit helmet with her, all done in one take, quite something.
Never has silence been so brilliantly used in a film, especially when in action films there are explosions and loud bangs galore, "Gravity" stays firm to the principle that in space there is nothing to carry sound, and it is illustrated so well in the opening frames of the film, and carries on throughout.
The score is another high point, from Composer Steven Price, in fact it was so good that upon getting home I purchased said soundtrack.

Yes there has been alot of hype about this film, and every word that is positive is true. Every box has been ticked, it delivers on every level. I normally have a Cineworld Unlimted card, and alas left it behind thus having to pay full price, and having watched the film, I did not begrudge one single penny, as it was an absolute delight to watch.

Has everything that you could want from a movie........10 out of 10

"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

A film that has attracted a lot of negative comment finally gets a viewing. There have been comments ranging from it being too soon for another film about 9/11, or that the film is boring or that the young actor playing Oskar is annoying. I can certainly tell you that for this reviewer, none of those comments apply.

Oskar is a young boy living his life in New York with his parents, and life is pretty good for him. He is somewhat weary around people, and has mannerisms that some may find unusual, he may be dealing with Asperger's Syndrome. He clearly feels more connected to his father, and Oskar is regularly set challenges for him to face, something to get him thinking, something to get him out into the big wide world.
Then the tragic events of September 11th 2001 occur, and like so many children that day, Oskar finds himself without a father. When going through some of his father's possesions, he finds a key. So Oskar uses this discovery to set himself a new challenge, and find out how the key is connected to his father. In some ways it is a story strand similar to one explored in "Hugo", in that the key is a link to his father, and by finding out its history, it keeps that link to his father alive.
So off Oskar sets on his journey.

Some have argued that the journey Oskar embarks on is not realistic as here is a young boy, venturing into New York, and does not encounter any rogue elements. I personally do not have a problem with that, I feel sure that not everyone who lives in New York meets a pick-pocket, thief or rapist around every corner.
Oskar being so methodical with the challenges that his father has set him in the past devises a way to hopefully get to the truth behind the key. He also meets the Renter, an elderly man living with his Grand-mother, a man who does not speak, and clearly has demons from his past. The two form an unlikely alliance. But Oskar has demons of his own, especially from 'the worst day', his way of referring to 9/11.

The film may not be in 3D, it may not have bullet after bullet flying across the screen, and may not have action packed car chases, it is just a great story being told through the eyes of a young boy. And yes there are those people who will find it boring. I for one did not. It is beautifully told, and the Direction from Stephen Daldry, as one would expect, is faultless.
The cast are all excellent, and it is easy to see why Max Von Sydow was nominated for non-speaking role as The Renter. At 82 years of age, he is still able to show why he is one of the World's most respected actors. But even here he has been overshadowed by Thomas Horn, a young actor in his first film appearance, and he gives an astonishing performance.
When you look at some of Daldry's past work, they have involved remarkable performances from young actors, and here he has done it yet again.

A compelling and well made story.......8 out of 10