Friday, November 1, 2013

Theater Interruption (Prisoners / Gravity)

Prisoners (2013)

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Writer: Aaron Guzikowski
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis

"Prisoners" managed to hit a sweet spot for me that very few mystery stories accomplish. The film drops enough hints about the true nature of events that the reveals make complete sense when they happen without being too obvious early on. The acting is great all around and the atmosphere is suitably bleak through Deakins' lens. A tense experience that also manages some ethical questions. Is there such a thing as too far when it comes to trying to save your child's life? Is that line crossed here?

Score: 8 / 10




Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Writers: Alfonso Cuarón and Jonás Cuarón
Stars: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris

"Gravity" is like many other blockbusters in several respects. It is light on story, simplistic in its characterizations and fairly predictable in plot. However, it is head and shoulders above any other (non-Nolan) blockbuster in terms of execution for the better part of a decade. It is a feat of technical wizardry, an absolute masterclass in camera choreography and perfectly controlled tension - easily one of the most thrilling theater experiences that I have ever had. I'm not usually the one white-knuckled in the theater, but here... I don't often advocate for inflated ticket prices, but if you can still see it in IMAX 3D, do so.

Score: 9 / 10

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