Gravity *****

See it on the biggest screen available. One of the very best films I've seen this year, "Gravity" immediately arrests the viewer with immense views of planet earth floating below space-walking astronauts. In 3D it's absolutely vertiginous. Beautifully composed, the opening sequence grabs the viewer and the film never lets go. Writer/director/producer Alfonso Cuarón has fully realized his vision in this incredible movie.

The story follows medical engineer Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) and they attempt repairs on the Hubble Space Telescope.  Suddenly there's a warning: space debris from a blown up satellite could be heading their way. The astronauts scramble but another of their team becomes a casualty. Then Stone loses her grip and she drifts off into space.

The movie becomes one harrowing effort to survive after another as Stone is faced with challenges, dangers, and the unknown. She must use her training, her intelligence, and her courage to stay alive and figure out how she can get to safety. The wise-cracking Kowalski never loses his cool, and provides much-needed advice. (And it's amazing how much Clooney, with his crinkly eyes and button nose, looks like Buzz Lightyear here.) But it is Stone's story, and Bullock deserves all of the recognition that will come her way for this superb performance.