Movie "Gravity" - seen it yet?

[Jim Logajan]

I really don't get out to see movies at the theaters much anymore. But I just saw some ads for "Gravity" with George Clooney and Sandra Bulluck; when I read the basic plot line, the first thing it reminded me of was a short story written decades ago by Ray Bradbury. Same initial concept. Bradbury's story was memorable to me because of its ending. I couldn't remember its title, but I did remember the last lines spoken in the story, and that was all it took for me to locate the title online: "Kaleidoscope".

Now, in my quick check to see if anyone else had the same thought, I find that they sure have, such as this article, which tries to point out why they are different without giving much away (I think the author does a reasonable job avoiding spoilers since I still only know generalities of the film, not how it resolves - but it might reveal too much even for some):

http://somecamerunning.typepad.com/...radburys-kaleidoscope-not-the-same-story.html

The trailers on Youtube manage to convey a lot of emotional intensity that has me intrigued. I have yet to see a movie in 3D at a theater. Wondering if I should go see it or wait till it is available for watching at home.

 

[Jim Logajan]

I think today is opening day?

Yeah - see that now. I should have asked who was seriously thinking of seeing it?

 

[Jim Logajan]

Edit - just read Kaleidoscope. Good story, thanks.

Ah - I hadn't thought to look. I see there is at least one copy online:

http://www.scaryforkids.com/kaleidoscope-by-ray-bradbury/

 

[Jim Logajan]

Wondering if I should go see it or wait till it is available for watching at home.

Possible spoilers....


I finally found time to see the movie with my wife. We went to a 3:30 Wednesday afternoon showing (3D, but not IMAX) - so there were only 10 people in the theater. Still managed to get some "talkers" sit behind us. Sigh. And one of them had an apple to eat. I guess they were more hungry for fiber than movie sound. (I know I can't hear things very well on TV when I eat something crunchy.)

Unfortunately for me, the movie had to establish itself on more than the 3D because I had strabismus for many years till I had eye surgery 20 years ago to straighten the eyes. I am more likely suppress the image in one eye than fuse into 3D (something I can do under certain conditions; but this was not one of those cases. I really need to establish regular eye exercises with a Brock String, but that is for another thread, maybe.)

Alas, the movie was merely "OK" because of several factors: The astronaut played by George Clooney was too glib for either of our taste. Just didn't come across as legit. The dialog and monologues seemed too forced and artificial. My expectations of technical and scientific accuracy vary, depending on the show or movie. For example, there is a lot I'm willing to allow a Star Trek, a Star Wars, or a Star Gate episode or movie to get away with, but not so much for a movie of this genre.

The juxtaposition of a technology no longer flying (space shuttle) with one yet to fly (Chinese space station) - if ever - was something not easy for me to dismiss. There were the other technical problems that others have already pointed out (like differing orbits of the various spacecraft making the main plot points untenable.)

Lastly, I don't think the casting was wrong per se, since I can't imagine anyone else doing any better with that script.