Gravity (2013) - 10 stars out of 10

Gravity (2013) - 10 stars out of 10 

How do you write a movie review for something that is more than just a movie?  “Gravity” is a cinematic experience that is unlike any other film out there.  Its artistic approach to space as a relentlessly malicious antagonist puts the film into a league of its own.  Even “Apollo 13” was man vs. machine but this film is purely man vs. space.  It will unquestionably win the Oscar for Best Visual Effects and yet, “Gravity” goes far beyond its stunning depictions of Earth and space.  When Sandra Bullock won her Oscar for “The Blindside,” it seemed to be the pinnacle of her career but she somehow manages to supersede that performance with this one-woman-show.  The only thing that it can be compared to is Tom Hanks’ performance in “Castaway,” except that this film thrives on heart-pounding tension instead of drama.  The concept may seem gimmicky but it goes far beyond the expected with a subtle script that reveals an emotional layer to develop the main character.  I never expected to cry at this movie, let alone two times!  The first time was a result of Bullock’s acting, the second time was directly tied to Steven Price’s musical score which is subtle (and nearly non-existent) in the space sequences but heroic and overwhelming at all of the right times.  Alfonso Cuarón really wrote/directed/produced a blockbuster with this irresistible sci-fi space film.  George Clooney must also be included in any discussion of this film.  His character’s personality eventually becomes a key factor in the furthering of the plot and, though I won’t give anything away, what seemed at first like insanity on the part of the script writers were at first insane eventually grows into the genius in the use of his character’s fate.  You can kiss your childhood dream of travelling to space goodbye when you see the terror that exists in this breathless, soundless place.  It must be seen in 3D to gather the whole experience but I simply cannot wait to see it again.  And again.  And again.  My heart is pounding just thinking about “Gravity.”

The Exorcist - 9 stars out of 10

The Exorcist - 9 stars out of 10
Happy Halloween!
 
I give “The Exorcist” a high rating because it is an important film in the horror genre and reveals a chilling look into the world of demon possession.  That being said, I do not recommend this film to anybody who has not emotionally come to terms with the real-world horror of demon possession.  Before watching, there is a legitimate need to prepare yourself for the things that you are about to see. In spite of the nightmares that inevitably follow this film, one must respect the place that this movie holds in cinematic history.  The special effects are outdated but the raw adrenaline that runs through your veins for the final 30 minutes of this film makes this one of the most intense films ever.  This movie is not for the faint of heart and one truly should consider whether he is prepared to "experience" demon possession in the grotesque manner presented by this movie.  I know that it will be a long time before I face this one again.

World War Z - 7 stars out of 10

World War Z - 7 stars out of 10

In the midst of the "Walking Dead generation" or horror films, "World War Z" brings a fresh spin to the zombie genre.  I love "Dawn of the Dead" and "Quarantine," but the plot device of zombies-chasing-a-group-of-people-as-each-victim-begins-to-hunt-their-loved-ones has turned into an easily predictable equation.  Max Brooks' story breaks away from the survivalist mentality of most zombie films and addresses the issues that are avoided by other writers: "Are these zombie attacks occurring elsewhere?" and "How do we prevent this from being the end of human society?"  The film has just enough survivalist scenes to satisfy that horror movie junkie urge to see a group of people being chased by zombies (with only a few surviving) while taking a realistic and intellectual approach to the societal issues caused by the extinction of mankind.  This isn't the type of film that I expect Brad Pitt to align himself with but his good acting is what keeps the story believable.  It was clever to center the plot's resolution around discovering the origin of the zombie outbreak, but allowing a different temporarily solution to resolve the story while leaving the origin of the outbreak as a mystery to be revealed in the sequel(s).  I personally prefer the classic zombie films but welcome a fresh concept to a genre that is growing very tired.

Barefoot in the Park - 8 stars out of 10

Barefoot in the Park - 8 stars out of 10

Classic and cute, "Barefoot in the Park" is one of those chick flicks that will make you love all of the little quirks about your significant other.  Based on Neil Simon's play, the stereotypical tiny apartment of a young couple getting their start in New York City becomes the center of conflict, confrontation, and conversion.  I think that this film is so fun to watch because we can all see a little of ourselves in Corie and Paul, and see a little of our significant other in whichever one we are not relating to at the moment.  The quaint quality of this film comes from the transformation of Paul into Corie and vice versa.  Jane Fonda is absolutely adorable and plays perfectly off of Robert Redford.  Sometimes she is that picture-perfect girl that every male desires and other times, she is that high-high-maintenance girlfriend whose neck we have all wanted to wring.  The comedy is clever, my favorite sequence being the stream of guests who enter the apartment out of breath due to the five flights of stairs that they must conquer before arriving.  For all of its great moments, the ending is way too cheesy and sudden, though I suppose that it is better than having the "wrong" ending; regardless, "Barefoot in the Park" is a film that I look forward to enjoying over and over again, even if it is just as an excuse to tease my significant other.