MOVIE REVIEW: LOOPER

IN THEATERS

LOOPER



A hired gun from the future discovers that his greatest adversary is himself in this twisting sci-fi mindbender starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and directed by Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom). In the year 2047 time travel has yet to be invented. Thirty years later, however, it has. Though immediately outlawed, time-travel technology is quickly appropriated by the mob, and used to cleanly dispose of anyone deemed a threat. The process is simple: When the mob wants someone to disappear, they simply send them back to the year 2047, where an assassin known as a "looper" quickly carries out the hit, and disposes of the body. Joe Simmons (Gordon-Levitt) is one of the most respected loopers around. Each kill earns him a big payday, and he's got big plans to retire to France. Then, one day, as Joe patiently awaits the appearance of his next target near the edge of a remote corn field, he's shocked to come face-to-face with his future self (Bruce Willis). When the younger Joe hesitates, the older Joe makes a daring escape. Now, in order to avoid the wrath of his underworld boss (Jeff Daniels), young Joe must "close the loop" and kill his older counterpart. Meanwhile, the revelation that a powerful crime boss in the future has set the underworld ablaze pits the two Joes on a violent collision course, with the fate of a devoted mother (Emily Blunt) and her young son hanging in the balance. Paul Dano and Piper Perabo co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Rian Johnson

Cast: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah Segan

Release Date: Sep 28, 2012

Rated R for some Sexuality/Nudity, Language, Drug Content and Strong Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min.

Genres: Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Looper is the type of sci-fi film that makes a life long genre fan smile. Smart and well thought out, its world is brought to life with vibrant energy and depth that usually missing from most recent fare. Rian Johnson directs this mind bending film with a steady hand and keeps the action moving at a steady pace. He allows things to unfurl in an authentic manner; it’s a methodical process which settles you into the proceedings. In doing so, Johnson creates an atmosphere which lets you feel the grim and despair of this dystopian future. Joseph Gordon-Levitt performance here is a perfect match for this world. He does a fine job showcasing the characters soulless, aimless nature. The heavy prosthetics which are supposed to make him look like Bruce Willis are a tad distracting, sometimes more than others. Willis as the older version of the same character brings a world weariness to it that incredibly appropriate all while being on full vengeance mode. Emily Blunt’s role is kind of disorienting and against type but effective. Pierce Gagnon as her son is as creepy as he is mature for a child actor. Rian Johnson makes a wise decision in casting the impressive Jeff Daniels and Paul Dano in small supporting roles, rounding out his film. If there is small complaint is the film does start to drag a bit in the early part of the 3rd act. Additionally, it takes a somewhat unexpected turn which may turn off some people. Still as a whole is one of the more impressive films genre films in recent memory.

B