It’s very rare that you’re in a cinema and you can barely hear a pin drop.
That’s because Alfonso Cuaron’s cleverly original edge-of-your-seat thriller Gravity literally pulls you in – and quite evidently the entire audience at my particular screening too – and pretty much never lets go.
After all the hype it just lacks that little something to make it great, but it will still arguably become a classic due to the inventive nature of Cuaron’s product – and the sensational use of 3D.
It’s beautifully-rendered, well-executed and nerve-jangling stuff – headlined by impressive turns from Oscar-winning duo Sandra Bullock and George Clooney – which deserves immense praise for the director of the darkest Harry Potter film (and one of the best) The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Its simple premise sees Sandra Bullock’s (The Blind Side) medical engineer Ryan Stone work with George Clooney’s (Syriana) veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski after a satellite debris accident leaves them adrift in space.
What ensues is a gripping ninety minute fight for survival that leaves you floating viscerally through space – with the jaw-dropping backdrop of Earth – where no-one will hear you scream.
Bullock might not be everyone’s cup-of-tea, but love her or loathe her, you still end up rooting for her fragile space novice – complete with heart-rending personal back story – with Clooney doing a top-notch job in support.
There’s quite obviously only so much you can do with the material – which takes away the ability for any real surprises – but that’s what also makes it so compelling.
Cuaron’s imagination comes to life where no human can live unsupported, and with exceptional use of 3D literally induces some spine-tingling moments – which arguably haven’t been experienced in the format since Avatar.
It might be a touch shy of the absolute classic some quarters had been making it out to be – but if you’re a fan of cinema in general you shouldn’t defy Gravity and go see it.
Visit www.showcasecinemas.co.uk for the latest up-to-date showtimes for Peterborough Showcase. You can also join the chat on Twitter @showcasecinemas or on Facebook by searching for ‘Showcase Cinemas UK’.
Gavin Miller
Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, the voice of Ed Harris
Running Time: 1hr 30mins
Director: Alfonso Cuaron [youtube id=”OiTiKOy59o4″ width=”600″ height=”350″]