I rushed to the theatre to see the movie Gravity for two reasons:
- the terrifying space collision that we get a tantalizing glimpse of in the movie trailer; and
- Sandra Bullock’s performance, which has received rave reviews and early Oscar buzz.
The views of space are breathtaking, and the accident that drives the plot drains whatever air remains in your lungs. I saw the movie in 3D, and its use is at once seamless and highly effective.
George Clooney is his usual playful self in his scenes with Bullock, but I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say she appears alone onscreen for a majority of the movie.
Tom Hanks goes solo on an island in Castaway, and Robert Redford on a crippled yacht in the upcoming All is Lost, so it’s about time an actress — especially one of Bullock’s caliber — gives it a try.
But while Bullock’s Dr. Stone is well-acted — and I was on the edge of my seat time and time again — I left the movie feeling very little emotional connection to her character. I just expected…more.
Let me know what you think.
The Sticky Egg 
Seaworthy
I see from the weekend box office reports that moviegoers chose the special effects heavy (yet atmospherically light) Gravity over the low tech story of high seas piracy Captain Phillips.
They chose wrong.
And while they were both amazing yet different achievements in film making, I think Captain Phillips goes one better in its decision to let emotion tell the story.
The confusion. The fear. The anger. The desperation. All clearly visible on the faces of the crew and the Somali pirates.
No 3D or IMAX was necessary to tell this story. Just an incredible performance by the first-time actors who portrayed the pirates…and the brilliance that we have grown to expect (but that’s still stunning to behold) from everyman Tom Hanks.
Go see Captain Phillips. I promise…
You won’t miss that extra D.
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Tagged 3D, atmosphere, box office, box office report, Captain Phillips movie, celebrities, commentary, entertainment, Everyman, film, film making, first-time actors, gravity, Humor, life, low tech, moviegoers, Movies, piracy, pirates, review, seaworthy, Somali pirates, Somalia, special effects, Tom Hanks, true story, weekend box office