Coming off his high from seeing The Martian, my son actually picked the 2013 sci-fi drama Gravity for our movie night. It was one that I had heard mixed comments about and find people either loved it or hated it.
"I'm going to die. I know we're all going to die. But, I'm going to die today." ~ Gravity
This film had me mesmerized from the beginning. There is a reason this film won seven Academy Awards including Best Cinematography which was beautifully done and will have you feeling like you are in space with the characters. Gravity must have been spectacular on the big screen.
While performing routine work on a space walk, the crew of Explorer receives an emergency warning from Houston that debris from a Russian missile strike on a satellite is headed their way. Caught in a shower of high speed metal torpedoes the crew is in serious danger. When the first shower of deadly missiles passes, all that is left is Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Commander Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney).
"It's a matter of what you do now. If you decide to go then you got to just get on with it. Sit back, enjoy the ride." ~ Gravity
In any story of survival, the human mind must find the WILL to live. Left alone with her thoughts in the deafening silence of space, Stone's fears and emotional pains are amplified. This film is emotional and intense and the difficult decisions made by the characters in a time of turmoil teaches that letting go is often the only way back to life again.
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The tension level remains consistent throughout the film, allowing viewers to catch their breath briefly before plunging them into another free fall. My heart was in my throat almost the entire film. Bullock delivers a convincing performance, her best yet, and was definitely worthy of her Oscar nomination. Gravity is rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images, and strong brief language.
Read more of Nik's Piks: After Hours movie reviews.