by contributing writer Michael P. Coleman
Last weekend, I decided at the last minute to cancel a planned trip to Six Flags, and have a more low key day by taking in a movie. As it turned out, “Gravity” provided more of a thrill ride than most amusement parks offer, at a fraction of the price. Starring Oscar winners George Clooney and Sandra Bullock, “Gravity” is one of the most effective thrillers Iʼve seen in some time. Both actors offer riveting performances, but Bullock absolutely shines, more than carrying the weight of the film solely on her shoulders.
Clooney plays Matt Kowalski, a veteran astronaut who accompanies Bullockʼs Dr. Ryan Stone on her first space shuttle mission. The film begins extremely quietly, making very effective use of the its superb score and soundtrack, and offering stunning panoramic views of earth from a distance. The first few minutes of the film are akin to the chain lift up the first hill of a roller coaster. Enjoy the view, because once the story takes off — with space debris serving as the primarily catalyst — it does not let up until the closing credits.
And like any good thrill ride, there are more than a couple of twists and sharp turns along the way. Youʼll need to suspend disbelief a couple of times. If you can believe that Bullockʼs character would be dispatched on a space mission like this with only six months of prior training, and that her hair stays on her head and in place throughout the whole movie, youʼre good. Clearly, Academy Award-winning actresses have to be ready for their close-up at the zero gravity drop of a helmet.
Look for a couple of sight gags, one of them via Looney Tunes. Theyʼre about the only moments of levity youʼll get. “Gravity” is the rare film that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. See it on the biggest screen possible — and hold on tight.
Email Michael P. Coleman at mikelsmindseye@me.com, or follow him on Twitter: @ColemanMichaelP
