Gravity

The space-action movie “Gravity” is a visual wonder that puts one into orbit from the very start, capturing two astronauts left adrift after debris crashes into them during a spacewalk. It’s a harrowing situation, and from the amazing special effects what unfolds feels immediate and very up close. George Clooney and Sandra Bullock play the astronauts who work together to try and survive untethered in a place 372 miles above Earth where there’s no air pressure, no oxygen and way beyond cold.

And wow, does Sandra’s character go through Hell and back. She’s got to fight for everything! At the start she’s a bit of weakling but towards the end she’s changed and is emboldened. I got sort of dizzy just watching her go end over end through space. She didn’t even puke into her helmet. And the scrapes and the bruises from being thrown into steel objects must have been a nightmare! But George helps. Thank goodness his character is a very seasoned astronaut. And Clooney is Clooney.

I liked “Gravity.” I could feel space at my fingertips, awe-inspiring and beautiful, albeit in the movie it’s often from a pretty hair-raising viewpoint. It’s certainly a well-done adrenaline-action-packed visual space experience but I’m not sure I took away from it much more than that. As for depth or character development that might leave a more lasting impact, well there just isn’t time!

For more commentary on “Gravity,” check out former astronaut Mark Kelly’s generally favorable review of the movie in The Washington Post.