Cinema Review - Gravity

Alfonso Cuaron has taken film-making to the next level; Gravity is a breathtaking masterpiece that will inevitably stand the test of time as one of the most awe-inspiring science-fiction films ever committed to celluloid. Comparisons to Kubrick’s 2001 are well founded, even if a little misleading, as Cuaron’s space odyssey doesn’t just completely reinvent the genre but delivers a multitude of nerve-wracking sequences that leave the audience as breathless and emotionally drained as the two astronauts gasping for oxygen and longing for their feet to touch the ground.

Sandra Bullock is exceptional as panic-stricken astronaut, Ryan Stone, who becomes detached from her ship during a routine spacewalk, and the unfolding events ratchet the tension up to breaking point as Matt Kowalski (Clooney) attempts to bring her to safety and a nearby catastrophe rapidly begins to spiral out of control. Both actors have had their inconsistencies throughout the years but Bullock’s stellar performance as a fearful yet strong woman and Clooney’s calm and well grounded (for a man in space) character are a perfect combination of innocence and experience that provide a surprising emotional heft to this very unique disaster movie.

As Stone struggles to survive against seemingly impossible odds, subtle changes in her approach to survival mirror the character arc of Ripley in Alien; she begins to confront impending danger with a hitherto unknown inner strength and will seemingly stop at nothing even when safety is far out of reach. Kowalski is far more pragmatic about their situation, quickly realising that any chance of rescue is fading fast and spending just as much time enjoying the stunning vistas of outer space as working out a way to head home. You can almost forgive Kowalski’s lackadaisical approach to their situation as it is inevitable that your attention will also wander towards the spellbinding celestial views more than once during the course of the film.

Even though only two characters share screentime, as soon as the first explosion hits the threat of danger never lets up, and Cuaron finds plausible and exciting methods of driving the story forward - which is no mean feat considering the drastically limited options available to a film-maker setting a film in outer space. The immersive 3D visuals and spectacular sound design pull you into a world fraught with danger that is so beautifully realised it is bound to leave you completely speechless. Space may be incredibly dangerous but it is also visually stunning and the precision of Cuaron’s camerawork clearly demonstrates an auteur who is not just seeking to push the boundaries of film but to capture an unforgettable experience that will astound audiences with its sheer audacity.

One of the most difficult aspects of reviewing films is managing the audience's expectations; I know first-hand how damaging it can be when critics are overzealous with their praise only for the film in question to underwhelm, and more often than not choose to avoid reading reviews before viewing a film for this exact reason. That being said, some films undoubtedly leave an indelible impression on all who behold them, and in this instance, I have to agree with every single critic who heaps praise on Gravity as words cannot justify how incredible Cuaron’s latest film really is.

This is the first time in over three years of writing reviews that I have ever given a five star review, and I sincerely doubt that there will be a better film released this year, or even the next. I cannot wait to experience Gravity again, only this time around in the comfort of an IMAX cinema. Unmissable.

5/5.

If you liked Gravity you will also enjoy these:

Sunshine
Moon
2001: A Space Odyssey
Alien

New Trailer - The Raid 2: Berandal

Gareth Evans' unmissable action-packed thriller 'The Raid' stunned audiences last year as it almost single-handedly reinvented the action genre. Fans of the original have been craving a second fix of Iko Uwais' insane martial arts skills that not only put Indonesian cinema firmly on the map but generated enough interest for a sequel to be greenlit

Set straight after the events of the first film, much akin to the first two [REC] instalments, The Raid 2 sees our hero Rama imprisoned where he is inevitably set upon by countless vicious thugs and gangsters who are out for his blood. Not due for release until 2014, it's going to be a long wait but it sure looks to be worth it:

If you still haven't seen the original, what is wrong with you?! Make sure it goes straight to the top of your watchlist, and if you need any more persuasion, check out my review of The Raid here

Cinema Review - The Raid

With hype for the Indonesian action film The Raid reaching extreme levels does it live up to expectations? Tom was lucky enough to attend a preview screening and here are his thoughts...  

Every once in a while a film comes along that manages not only to meet your expectations but surpass them, and whilst this does not happen as often as I would like, the sparsity of this occurrence marks any film that reaches these standards as one of a select few that make it to my list of personal favourites.  Many people throw the phrase 'I was on the edge of my seat' around when describing films that the term has lost much of its impact but I was literally perched on the edge of my seat for the majority of The Raid's running time with a huge grin on my face that didn't subside until a few hours after the screening. Yes, it is as good as you've heard.

 With a plot so simple I cannot believe it hasn't been done before, almost the entire film takes place in a tower block inhabited by assorted criminals and lowlifes under the control of a powerful drug lord who resides on the fifteenth floor. Enter a SWAT team who are tasked with taking him down, made up of veterans and rookies alike, and you can imagine the carnage as they endeavour to reach the top and make their way out alive against very unfavourable odds.

It is easy for the story to become second fiddle to the action in a film such as these and whilst there are times when it does, I only realised this on reflection as during the screening I was completely mesmerised by the action to a point where the plot really didn't matter. There are enough interesting developments and twists to drive the action forward and this is really all the film requires, although the story does make sure that The Raid is slightly more than just an action showcase.

The undeniable star of the show is Iko Uwais, a native Indonesian versed in the martial art of Pencak Silat which is the driving force behind the incredibly impressive fight sequences, and I have no doubt that his performance in The Raid will lead him to bigger and better things (if that is even possible as they don't come much better than this). Uwais plays Rama, a young family man with minimal experience in the field who is determined to prove himself as a valuable member of the team and when the situation begins to spiral out of control he is one of few that manage to keep focused on the task in hand despite the dangers they face.

The Raid contains some of the most brutal and intense action sequences I have ever witnessed, with lashings of ultra violence that would offend even Alex Delarge and his gang of Droogs, this really is a blistering assault on the senses that does not let up and thankfully never manages to run out of steam. As a fan of extreme violence on the big screen, I could not fault the direction Gareth Evans has taken with The Raid although the more squeamish of you need to be warned that there are a few unpleasant moments that may leave you squirming. The inventive fight sequences and stunning choreography really are breathtaking; just when you think that there is no way the action can be topped, the next melee ups the ante even more, pushing the boundaries of martial arts usage in films and leaving you mesmerised by the sheer audacity of the character's actions.

One of the year's best foreign imports, The Raid is a benchmark in action cinema; by combining all the successful ingredients of those which have come before it, and adding a relatively new form of martial arts into the mix it manages to transcend the genre almost to the point of becoming a masterpiece. This is a film that definitely needs to be seen on the big screen, nothing unites the audience like an epic struggle between good and evil and the fact that certain viewers couldn't keep quiet in some of the more explosive scenes didn't annoy me but made me realise just how involving The Raid really is.

With an American remake already on the way, make sure you see The Raid whilst you get the chance. I have been writing for Front Room Cinema for the best part of 9 months and this is the only rating above four stars I have ever given. I'm still waiting for that elusive 5 star film but until then The Raid remains one of the best new films I have seen in recent memory.

4.5/5

Are you a fan of action films? Do you think that The Raid has turned the genre on its head? Let us know your thoughts below...

Cinema Review - Untouchable (Intouchables)

There is something alluring about French cinema that tends to evade most film-makers in Hollywood; it is no surprise that one of the most prestigious film festivals takes place in Cannes, as the French have been a dominant force in world cinema since the inception of film. Untouchable is the latest French film to perform exceptionally well at the box office in a number of European countries and I have been awaiting its release ever since the day it creeped into the often derided but still fairly relevant IMDB Top 250. This list is not always indicative of a film's quality but I was fairly sure that its inclusion confirmed that Untouchable would be worth the wait.

Francois Cluzet, most known across the channel in England for his phenomenal performance in Tell No One, stars as a disabled aristocrat who is seeking a new live-in carer to move into his mansion. Frustrated by competent applicants that are perfect on paper but lack personality, Philippe takes a risk on Driss, an unemployed man who attends the interview purely to collect his benefit cheque and scoffs at any opportunity to hold down a job. At first Driss is reluctant but he is eventually convinced to take the job and begins a voyage of discovery that will have a huge impact on both Philippe's life and his own.

Omar Sy is sensational as Driss, who is certainly an actor to watch out for in the future, and the chemistry between the two leads is so natural that their ever growing friendship is wholly believable. Side stories that focus on Driss's humble beginnings and Philippe's assorted employees act as pleasant diversions from the main plot but all remain relevant to the overall story arc be it a younger brother in trouble with the law or an attractive maid resisting Driss's advances.

As Untouchable is based on a true story it certainly resonates far deeper than fictional films which tackle a similar subject but it does not have the emotional heft of films such as The Diving Bell and the Butterfly or My Left Foot. The tone of Untouchable is far more lighthearted and is similar in style to Inside I'm Dancing which managed to balance the seriousness of the subject matter with comic elements to create a touchingly humorous film. There are times when Untouchable does verge on the side of being overly sentimental, but that is only a slight criticism as it is refreshing to see a film tackling disability in such an uplifting way.

An audience united in laughter always enhances any viewing experience and it will be difficult for all but the most cynical viewers to hide their smiles during Untouchable. Not since Rain Man has the relationship between a mismatched pairing made for such compelling viewing and it is hard to deny Untouchable a place amongst the year's best so far. With a Hollywood remake already in the works, don't be lazy and wait for a version without subtitles, nothing beats the irresistible charm of French films, and Untouchable is worthy of your attention.

4/5

If you like this you will enjoy these:

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Rain Man
My Left Foot
Inside I'm Dancing