Film review: Gravity (9 out of 10)

So in more recent years we had Stanley Kubrick with 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), George Lucas with Star Wars (1977), Ridley Scott with Blade Runner (1982) and James Cameron with Avatar (2009). No doubt you’ll add your own favourites to the list.

Now we have Alfonso Cuarón with this amazing movie.

In just 91 minutes we have some of the most breath-taking visuals I’ve experienced and the best use of 3D in many a year.

It’s well known that this project has struggled along the way with a succession of actors dropping out and the production team inventing new ways of filming to produce a realistic experience in space.

Of course, there has to be some substance to go with the style and the plot is a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Sandra Bullock plays Dr Ryan Stone a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission with George Clooney as astronaut Matt Kowalski on his final mission before retiring.

However, debris from a destroyed satellite hammers into the space station leaving the two of them alone, drifting in space.

The opening scene as we drift towards the astronauts is one that will stay will you for a long time, revealing the beauty of the Earth and the vastness of space.

Clooney is very good as the carefree veteran, full of stories and listening to country music.

But this is really Bullock’s film and let’s be grateful that she got the role. She goes through the emotional mill and carries us along with her.

It’s a great movie apart from one thing. When disaster strikes we have this overpowering music that detracts from rather than adds to the action. In the trailer it’s far more subdued and much better.

Putting that gripe aside, this is a superb film and will eventually sit along all the greats on my DVD collection - however, it’s really a big screen experience so try out a 3D IMAX screening if you get the chance.

Film details: Gravity (12A) 91mins

Director: Alfonso Cuarón

Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

Screening courtesy of Cineworld Crawley