Review - Gravity

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Amazingly Beautiful and Terrifying at the Same Time

Space. It’s something that has fascinated people throughout time. It’s a vast wilderness above our Gravity all of these facets are exposed.

heads every day of our lives. It’s a magical and enchanting, yet vast and frightening place that we all know about. In the new film

Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a scientist that is implementing her newest project in space. Having never been up before, she did go through a crash course on space travel, but it was just this, a short program to get her up to implement her project.

Mission Commander Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) is just enjoying a spacewalk with his jet pack as he realizes that there is no way he will set a space walk record, simply because he doesn’t have enough fuel. But the happy-go-lucky attitude is about to change.

As a satellite in orbit is destroyed and chain reaction is set in motion that leads to debris headed towards Matt’s shuttle crew. This debris is moving at a rate that could be catastrophic and everyone scatters for safety.

During the virtual “attack” from the debris Ryan is sent catapulting out into space, alone.

Now with decreasing oxygen (running faster than normal with her anxiety) she finds herself alone, with visions of the stars, the earth and miles of darkness. Will she grab her senses and survive?

Visually, this is a stunning film. Shots showing us the beauty and the majesty of everything around our Earth will leave you mesmerized. But the visuals are NOT the only thing going for Gravity.

Sandra Bullock is amazing as Ryan Stone. In what is probably her best dramatic role in her career she is able to take viewers inside the mind of a normally rational and scientific woman who is put in a position that exposes her inner fears. The roller coaster ride that is Bullock’s experience is a trip that we all go on with her in a film that is really carried by one actor and the vast expanse of space.

Gravity is amazingly acted, beautifully shot, and full of interesting questions. I can’t get the film out of my mind to understand truly what went on for 90 minutes, and that is a very good thing.

A

Gravity

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Cast: Sandra Bulock, George Clooney

Rating: PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.

Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes

Oscar Night

It's the best night of the year for Hollywood, and for those of us that follow the movies. But I think we are ready to go beyond this year. 

Having been through the Film Independent Spirit awards yesterday and now getting ready for the big night...some final thoughts and final picks.

I didn't write a full column on picks and misses this year -- but there are some that have to be mentioned.

Let's make a quick PICKS list.

Best Picture

Will Win - The Artist

Should Win - The Descendants

Wish it Was Nominated - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Best Director

Will Win - Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist

Should Win - Alexander Payne, The Descendants

Wish He Was Nominated - David Fincher, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Best Actor

Will Win - George Clooney, The Descendants

Should Win - George Clooney, The Descendants

Wish He Was Nominated - Michael Shannon, Take Shelter or Ryan Gosling, The Ides of March or Drive

Best Actress

Will Win - Viola Davis, The Help

Should Win - Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo OR Viola Davis, The Help

Wish She Was Nominated - Charlize Theron, Young Adult

Best Supporting Actress

Will Win - Octavia Spencer, The Help

Should Win - Octavia Spencer, The Help

Wish She Was Nominated - Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

Best Supporting Actor

Will Win - Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Should Win - Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Wish He Was Nominated - Albert Brooks, Drive AND Patton Oswalt, Young Adult

And on the other categories...

Random thoughts -- 

Really Really Really -- have I made it clear....Really -- missing The Interrupters in the Documentary category, but expecting a Paradise Lost 3 win. 

Disappointed in the lack of Best song nominees -- but hopeful for Muppet or a Man.

Really seeing a lot of individuals that I LIKE in the crowd...and that is cool.

Wondering if Billy Crystal will be what the Academy has been lacking.

Wondering if the show comes in on schedule.

Sacha Baron Cohen...

What else???

The ceremony is coming soon -- who is your favorite?

More during the show.