Title: Looper
Directed by: Rian Johnson
Distributed by: Sony
Release Date: September 28, 2012
Rated: R
Synopsis: In 2072, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent 30 years into the past, where a hired gun awaits. Someone like Joe, who one day learns the mob wants to ‘close the loop’ by transporting back Joe’s future self. (Via IMDB)
Brian: Ohhh, if only every science fiction action adventure was as thought-provoking and well-acted and brilliantly constructed as Rian Johnson’s Looper, our world of modern cinema would be a better place. Looper is an absolute blast of a movie, the kind that makes you think and at the same time makes your heart skips a beat from all its intensity. Joseph Gordon Levitt and Bruce Willis are perfectly cast as the younger and older versions of the same destructive character, and Emily Blunt and Jeff Daniels shine in terrific supporting roles. And then there’s creepy little Pierce Gagnon, who is amazing as a little boy with a special kind of power. I’ve loved Rian Johnson’s work ever since his debut feature Brick (from 2005, also starring Levitt), and Looper is his most impressive effort yet.
Shaunta: I agree, this was a smart, exciting science-fiction story. It was visually attractive, and really well acted. I was a little iffy going in about Joseph Gordon-Levitt, with his more delicate features, passing as a younger Bruce Willis, who is much craggier and a lot larger in build. The prosthetic and make-up they used to give Gordon-Levitt Willis’s more prominent nose and stronger jaw was pretty amazing. My husband saw Looper before Brian and I did, and the first thing he said when he came back was that the kid was going to freak me out. He was so right! Pierce Gagnon might be a baby, but he was somehow able to be intensely creepy and super cute in turns. My book that comes out in July 2013 has a time travel story line, and I really appreciated the way that was handled here. I know first hand, it’s tough! I think one of my favorite parts of the movie was the Jules Verne-esque time machine.
Brian: I really love when time travel movies work because often they can be confusing. There’s no beating around the bush with time travel stories; if they’re not really thought out and properly constructed, they fall under their own weight. My personal favorite time travel movie remains Back to the Future, but if I want to put on a darker, more moody version of a time travel story, Looper would be the perfect choice. I’ve been in love with Joseph Gordon Levitt since Angels in the Outfield, and I’m simply stunned by his terrific work this year. He was one of the best things in The Dark Knight Rises, he was astounding in both his acting and in his physical abilities in the underrated Premium Rush, and he has a supporting role in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming Lincoln. 2012 is this guy’s year, and I’m so excited to see where he’ll go from here.
Shaunta: Joseph Gordon-Levitt is definitely having a banner year. No doubt about it. I really did enjoy this movie. Without giving too much away, I thought the end was a little lazy, but otherwise, everything about this film worked for me. The character that both Gordon-Levitt and Willis played was perfectly flawed. Emily Blunt kicked ass. The little kid is a character I won’t forget for a long time. When I go to the movies I want to come away with something to think about, and a feeling of satisfaction. Lots of times I get either one or the other. This time, I got both, and it was marvelous.
