Gravity

Films come along that receive lots of critical acclaim and you often wonder if it is warranted. In the case of this film it is.
The Script: I'm sure that the script for this film will be extensively studied at films schools all over the world as an example of the perfect script. The way it sets up the characters and then establishes an incident for them to over come then continually ramps up the action at each turn to make that a hard thing to achieve. The simplicity of the films plot and characters is one of the many elements that makes it so great. But writers Alfonso Cuaron and Jonas Cuaron have taken this simple idea and made one of the most exciting and thrilling films I think I have ever seen. I was continually amazed at how they were able to create so many disasters for our astronautts to go through. I'm quite sure they did extensive research on what being in space would be like and the film feels very authentic. Although a few experts have come forward to say that certain aspects could not happen. But that does not detract from your enjoyment. 
Cinematography: This would have to be one of the most beautiful looking films I have ever seen. I saw it in IMAX so that added to the films beauty. Seeing the massive screen filled with images of earth from space, completely took my breath away. I think there needs to be a rule that only certain directors are allowed to use 3D when making films and Alfonso is one. He does not use the 3D as a gimmick but rather a way for us as the audience to become fully amerced in the environment of outer space that our characters inhabit. You definitely feel like you are truly there with these characters. Well worth paying the extra money to experience it in 3D.
Direction: All these great elements are brought together by one of the greatest directors working today, Alfonso Cuaron. The artistic majesty he brings to this film is nothing short of amazing. We take for granted things like 3D and special effects in films because we see them used so often and sometimes not very well. Then along comes an accomplished director like Alfonso who takes them to a whole new level of mastery. I loved the way he keeps the audience tense throughout the entire film. There are only a few moments for brevity before we are right back on the edge of our seats. Part of the reason he keeps that tension so high is because the film has a short duration. Many film makers seem to think that they need to take time to tell stories when really they don't and Alfonso knows that brevity is important when it comes to thrillers.
Performances: I lost interest in Sandra Bullock after 'The Blind Side'. A film which I think was over hyped and not one which I think she deserved all that acclaim for. She gave a decent performance in 'The Heat' recently but was largely overshadowed by Melissa McCarthy. But she is pretty much on her own for most of this film and carries it all so incredibly well. If she ever deserves an Oscar it is for this film. I suppose it is because of their heroic job that we hold astronauts in such high regard. Sandra does many heroic things in this film but she establishes her character as a very ordinary person. This makes her relatable to the audience and so we feel for her each time something goes wrong. George Clooney has a small but pivotal role. He is essentially playing himself and does not bring that much more to the role than he does in many of the other films he has been in. I did quite like the casting of the voice for mission control too.
I cannot encourage you enough to see this film. It is a film that needs to be seen on the big screen. And the bigger the better. Also see it in 3D too so you experience the film as it was meant to be seen.