Looper (2012)

by Julianne Snow:

Synopsis:

Time travel is invented by the year 2074 and, though immediately outlawed, it’s used by criminal organizations to send those they want killed, into the past where they are killed by “loopers”. Loopers are assassins paid in the silver bars that are strapped to their targets before they are sent back for execution. When his older self is sent back, Joe realizes that his loop is about to be closed… Learning more about the future than he perhaps wanted to know, Joe has a decision to make. Close his loop or work to change what he learns of his fate.

Review:

Rian Johnson wrote and directed this fantastic tale of time travel and the consequences of fate and destiny. As a science fiction movie, it holds up on all of the requisite areas and never once does it seem contrived or stagnant. As an engaging movie, it performs very well; it keeps the interest of those watching and the science fiction is dealt with in such a way that it can be easily understood by individuals that are not fans of the genre. The plot was very good, solid even, and the story line kept me engaged throughout which many recent films in the genre have not been able to do. Each moment flowed seamlessly to the next with only one small hiccup that I could note if I were nitpicking. Essentially, the present had to play out as it was intended for the character to live his life, in order for him to experience the events that would make him want to change the past when given the opportunity. Now that may sound a little confusing, but watching the movie will make it make sense. In the grander scope of the film, it was interesting to how the dichotomy of their linked existence was represented and played out. I have heard many opinions that the ending was anti-climactic and left something to be desired but in my humble opinion, it rocked!

Joseph Gordon-Levitt was very well cast in this film and the prosthetic make-up they applied to make him look more like Bruce Willis was uncanny. There’s a shot in the film where the two of them face each other in profile and while there are aspects of Bruce’s profile that cannot be  accurately be recreated with Joseph’s facial structure, the effect was excellent. Just a small nuance to most, but one of those small moments of attention to detail that greatly enhance a film for me. Bruce Willis proves again why he’s the king of the action thriller. He just has that look that draws you into the action and leaves you craving more. Emily Blunt and Jeff Daniels were also stellar in the movie, but the standout performance goes to Pierce Gagnon who played Cid. Where they found this young actor, I have no clue, but he is perfect embodiment of the character within the scope of the experience of the film.

While I can definitely see that Looper is a film that is unlikely to appeal to everyone, I found it to be extremely well thought out and executed. If you’re not a fan of science fiction, I urge you to give this movie a chance – it really does have something to appeal to everyone.

DarkMedia contributor Julianne Snow was first lulled into the horror genre by her parents during an ill-advised viewing of Alien when she was only 4 years old. Since that date, it’s been a given that Julianne will watch and read anything that is horror related. Her short fiction has appeared in anthologies from Sirens Call Publications and Open Casket Press, as well as The Sirens Call and various other websites showcasing short fiction. She is the author of the Days with the Undead series, which can be found on her website dayswiththeundead.com. Her first novel, Days with the Undead: Book One was published in early 2012 and is based on her popular web serial. Find her on Twitter @CdnZmbiRytr.