“Gravity”

A few days ago I mentioned that I was in awe of the trailers coming out for the movie “Gravity”. I had concerns simply because the last time I saw trailers that grabbed me this hard, the movie in question (“Pearl Harbor”) really sucked. I can still taste the betrayal and disappointment.

Today the Long-Suffering Wife and I saw “Gravity” in IMAX 3-D. It was the first time in years that we’ve tried to go see a film on its opening weekend. Especially a movie that could end up being one of the year’s blockbusters. There was a huge crowd, even at the 2:00 afternoon show, so it was also the first time in years that we had stood in line for a movie. Was it worth it all?

Oh. My. God.

I can guarantee you that “Gravity” is no “Pearl Harbor”!

Everything you have heard about “Gravity” is true. It is an incredible feast for the eyes. It is on-the-edge-of-your-seat tense for about eighty-seven of its ninety minutes. It has multiple intricate, amazing, spectacular tracking shots, some of the longest that I’ve ever seen. (The opening scene that establishes the setting and story must be at least fifteen minutes long, one humongous, diving, looping, zooming, roller-coaster like tracking shot.) For many of us, this may be as close as we ever get to really being in low Earth orbit.

Amazingly, during the whole film we only see two actors and a couple of voices on the radio. What you see on the screen is probably more than 95% special effects. But what a job! The special effects are never of the “gee whiz, look what I can do” variety. Instead, they allow a fantastic story to be told that couldn’t be told any other way. The special effects are tools, used like a surgeon’s instruments, not an end unto themselves.

No spoilers from me here — but I will let you know that there aren’t any little treats or “easter eggs” buried in or after the credits. So if the credits start rolling and your bladder is about to explode but there was no freakin’ way you were going to leave during the movie, it’s OK the to start your applause and sprint for the restroom.

If you have the option, I would highly recommend seeing the 3-D version at least once. There is so much depth to “Gravity” that gets brought out in that format. Even better if you’ve got the option, see it in IMAX 3-D. That extra $5 or $6 will be the best money you spend this year. You can thank me later.

Is the movie 100% factually accurate? No, it’s not a documentary. But having said that (and for the record I am a real nit picker when it comes to continuity and stupid, unbelievable crap in movies), the attention to detail and realism in “Gravity” is simply astonishing. I have seen articles, comments, and tweets from a number of astronauts that have said that “Gravity” nails the little details and facts like no movie ever has before. (Later on, after everyone’s seen it, I’ll be happy to do an analysis of the nits to be picked, why I’m willing to ignore the one really huge one, and why the one that bugged me the most is probably one that no one else paid any attention to at all.)

Go see this movie. I command you by all that is good and sacred and holy, you must see this movie. Probably multiple times. Maybe not “Star Wars” kind of multiple times, but more than once, for sure.

(And we also got to see the new trailer for “Ender’s Game”… I’m sure more on that and the debate surrounding it as we get closer to its release date.)