"Gravity" and "Captain Phillips"

An extremely rare event occurred Saturday where I was able to see two movies in one day.  I would advise anyone reading this to see both as soon as possible.

First was "Captain Phillips" with Tom Hanks.  If you have seen the previews you know the story (or maybe you remember the actual event).  Cargo ship captain gets taken hostage by Somalia pirates.   You probably also know the ending, but much like the true events of "Apollo 13," knowing the ending does not lessen the experience or the tension that builds throughout.  I will admit that I had an emotional moment at the end similar to what Tom Hanks' character goes through, mainly because the director gets you really invested in the characters and the situation, and you have to let all of that go after holding it together for 2 hours and 15 minutes.   To me it was not a "feel good" movie I would see again, because the chief emotion I felt was relief to have survived the stressful ride.  But I am glad I saw it.  I would consider Tom Hanks a serious contender for Best Actor.   While you never forget you are watching Tom, there are parts where he truly blew me away - especially the last scene.

After an hour break it was back to the theater for "Gravity" with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.  Go. See. This. Movie.  And when you do, see it in 3-D.  It is a visual spectacle worthy of the extra $4 for the glasses.  It doesn't develop the characters like "Captain Phillips" but it doesn't need to - you really only have to focus on Bullock's Mission Specialist and she gives you enough clues to figure out who and what she is. What is truly amazing that "Gravity" is only 91 minutes long but you lose track of time because it never really stops.   It is essentially 3 hours of action compressed into those 90 minutes, and there is no place to stop and catch your breath. However, unlike "Captain Phillips" I would go see "Gravity" again because the stunning visuals add so much to the human drama.

Is Bullock worthy of another Best Actress award?  She should definitely be nominated. (Cate Blanchett's performance in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine" is my leader and it will be difficult to top that).   But Bullock literally carries the entire movie.  Indeed, I cannot think of a single scene without her as everything happens to her in almost real time and there really is only one other character who is with her most of the time.

While the day after left me loving both movies equally, "Gravity" is now resonating more with me.  However, I cannot tell if that is because I liked it better, or because I read a NY Post article regarding the actual crew's criticisms of the real Captain Phillips as well as the movie itself.  None of that affects my affinity for Tom Hanks' performance.