Just saw this in IMAX 3-D today, and I highly recommend this be the way you see it. Not so much for the 3-D because there isn't too much 3-D that's all that impressive...but just to be surrounded by this movie makes it quite an experience.
This is directed by Alfonso Cuaron, who also did "Children of Men", another film I really liked. This is an effective film, sometimes a thriller and sometimes a ponderous film. What it really is about, though, is rebirth. There is some pretentious symbolism in it, almost all visual...but there is some dialog subtext that also is a device of the theme of sort of resurrecting yourself.
the character of ryan (bullock) basically goes through a transformation through experiencing explosions in space and some of the sequences are downright breathtaking.
but don't think this beats you over the head ken russell style. it's not that overt...you have to pay attention to all the details to really get all that. besides that, it's a very efficient 90 minute movie that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. it's very well acted, and aside from the cliche of the stock 3rd character (who is always of foreign descent for some reason and is always a family man), who you also know will die immediately...there are some nice surprises in this film and its ending is satisfying. is it best picture material? Probably not...but bullock will most likely get a best actress award.
it's a very solid film.
out of