GRAVITY

Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: George Clooney, Sandra Bullock

Run Time: 91 min

Space, the final frontier. This time Alfonso Cuarón visit the outer space to gives us the eerie thrill of being alone, literally. Not a science fiction or a politically charged theme, but a simple tale of survival. Some might relate this one with 2001: A Space Odyssey for the space scenes. Actually I have seen this two months ago but decided to write this now so later I can put a link on my best 2013 movies article.

Just like the title, this one will drag you here and there, even gasping for breath. Space debris threat the astronaut in space left Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) floating in space. Alone and lost, they have to survive to stay alive. What happened with the other astronaut? Sadly they are dead.

The visual is amazing, it makes you scratch your head and say: "How the fuck does Cuarón put camera in space?". Here, visual effect plays a major role. It takes you into space and in 3D it looks amazing.

Created through a painstaking combination of physical and digital performance, I think it might get a nomination for best visual effects at the Oscar next year. What about the story? I think the story is just okay. It is not "amazing", although some scenes left you breathless, it is just okay. Sure any male would relish seeing that Sandra Bullock still look sexy at that age, but the story of survival seems a bit "made up".

Some know that the orbit of Hubble Telescope, International Space Station and other space objects are not of the same height. However the story make it as if it was "near". It is not a problem for me, but I think I expect more from Gravity. I expect a slightly philosophical tone, which is non existence here. Okay you can say that the loneliness here is something philosophical. However as a whole this is a good film, but not "the best" from Alfonso Cuarón.

METALLICA: THROUGH THE NEVER 3D

Directed by: Nimród Antal
Starring: Dane DeHaan, Metallica
Running time: 93 minutes

The greatest heavy metal band in this planet deserves an epic treatment. This time with 3D and IMAX 3D experience where metal heads everywhere can witness and watch the epic roar of James Hethfield, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich. Just like any other concert movies, it is hard to judge this film.

If you are not a Metallica fan, you'd rather skip this film. It has no explanation for non fans, but full with inner Metallica reference. Two third of this film is the concert, and it is unlike any concert. To maximize the use of 3D, the props, pyro and laser were brought in to make an experience as if the viewers were at the front row of the concert itself.

While the other one third is a surreal adventure of a young Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike (Dane DeHaan) as a roadie for Metallica. This silent roadie has to fuel a truck in an unknown place while stuck between a battle between cops and rioters, plus a demon outside the arena. Unleashing barrage of their hits, this is a must-see concert movie, for the experience alone.

The technical aspect is amazing. 3D enhance the experience, the visual depth is also something. This is a tasteful 3D movie, not being a whore by throwing everything at the screen to wow the audience. Some might wonder what is the connection between the concert and the roadie's adventure. I myself cannot comment on the surreal scenes of the roadie intertwined with the concert since it is too surreal.

 

Perhaps it is inspired by the song lyrics or Metallica's history or perhaps DeHaan's appearance is to make a reach for younger generation who are still wearing diapers as The Unforgiven released. However his acting is good, and I liked the fact that he had no dialogue at all, it makes the mystery and solidify Metallica's brand. I also liked that this one is R-Rated, it does not hold back but unleash the power of creativity.

One cannot refuse to acknowledge that the charisma of the four members itself add a certain quality. Nimrod Antal is the master of puppets here and he proves that he can pull some strings. So is it a good film? Off course it is since I am a Metallica fan. With Metallica, the apocalypse never sounded so good.