Take a trip in time with Looper (image source: Looper Trailer via Youtube)
(Warning: I’ve kept this review a little vague so as not to accidentally reveal any spoilers)
It all pretty much starts with a blunderbuss, a modern anachronism drawn from the past and placed into the hands of a hit-man (Joe) who kills people sent back to his time from the future. It’s 2044, and for all intents and purposes, the world is similar to now, but grittier and much harder. Featuring action stalwart Bruce Willis (old Joe), rising good-guy Joseph Gordon-Levitt (young Joe), and the gorgeous Emily Blunt, Looper is a refreshing take on the well trod time-travel science-fiction genre which also manages to deal with adult themes in a thoughtful manner.
These days intelligent sci-fi and big budget have become a bit of an oxymoron in Hollywood, and I must admit after seeing Promethues, I instinctively lowered my expectations for Looper, which has all the hallmarks of a big production. In reality though, it’s a low-budget film weighing in at a relatively mild US$60 million. In every way that Prometheus disappointed (script), Looper impresses, and in every area that Promethus impressed (cinematography/effects), Looper does enough to hold its own, never leaving you wanting for more.
Looper is a smart science-fiction action-thriller piece that doesn’t obsess with completely reinventing the future, and happily places technology quietly into the background, instead focusing on characters and plot. The film’s central roster of characters are well developed, and refreshingly, not completely predictable. The supporting cast does a good job of coming across as ‘real’ people, as opposed to complete cardboard cutouts. Jeff Daniels plays a superb everyman crime boss while Piper Perabo fills her limited role adequately. There is also a child in the movie I am happy to say he does a great job and doesn’t detract from the film at all.
Be prepared for some gore and thought in this one.
GOOD:
Well considered story and plausible sci-fi that keeps technology in the background. This is a solid self-contained film that is the best sci-fi film I have seen since Moon or District 9. This movie will cement Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s rise in Hollywood.
BAD:
There’s not much to criticise, but if you don’t appreciate violence, then this movie is definitely not for you.
MOVIE SIBLINGS:
12 Monkeys and Inception
SCORE:
8.8/10
SHELF COMPANY X 