Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense, astonishing sci-fi thriller has real soul.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Gravity
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In GRAVITY, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a medical engineer on her first trip to outer space. But during the final spacewalk on the day before she and the rest of the crew are set to return to Earth, the Russians shoot down one of their own satellites; the explosion causes a catastrophic debris shower that threatens to wipe out all orbiting space stations, including Stone's shuttle. With seasoned astronaut Lieut. Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) by her side, Stone struggles to survive -- not just the accident that threatens her and everyone else's lives, but her own personal demons as well.
Is It Any Good?
Oh to be astonished, frightened, and entertained all at the same time -- that's the power of Alfonso Cuaron's masterful film. A mindful and meticulous meditation on mortality, tragedy, and the human spirit, Gravity is driven by both stunning cinematography and Bullock's artful, complex performance. Add to this a soundtrack so well-calibrated that the music enhances rather than overpowers (as too many soundtracks are wont to do).
It's obvious that an enormous amount of discipline went into filming Gravity -- but, far from making the movie sterile, the precision only serves to heighten the impact of an already stunning story. There's no reason, at least on this planet, that it won't be appreciated as a monumental piece of moviemaking. This is what 3-D effects were made for -- not the bullying bombast and empty trickery that plagues other, lesser 3-D films, but to artfully enhance a movie with grand imagination, riveting narrative, and true soul.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Gravity is similar to, and different from, other movies about space. Is it a sci-fi movie, a thriller, a drama, or a combination of all three?
How do you explain the bevy of emotions that Dr. Stone experiences throughout the movie? Do you understand why she reacts this way?
Which is more memorable/impressive -- the film's technical achievements or its character drama? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 4, 2013
- On DVD or streaming: February 25, 2014
- Cast: Eric Michels , George Clooney , Sandra Bullock
- Director: Alfonso Cuaron
- Inclusion Information: Latino directors, Female actors
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language
- Last updated: June 26, 2024
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