Super, smart sci-fi

Robert O’Reilly

As entertaining as it is thought-provoking, Looper is the best Sci-fi film since Inception and a strong candidate for film of the year.

From director Rian Johnson (Brick, the Brothers Bloom), Looper combines both elements of action and thriller that is sure to captivate its audience.

Set in a futuristic world where time travel has been invented but controlled by the mafia, loopers are hired gun men trained to kill special agents from the future.

However there is a catch, Loopers are not allowed to let their loop run, meaning that whoever is put in front of them they must kill, even if it is themselves.

Joe Simmons (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is faced with this dilemma when assigned with the task of killing his future self (Bruce Willis).

Despite the somewhat recycled theme of time travelling, Johnson manages to reinvigorate the notion with an original approach and sharp script.

The aesthetics are also superb with Gordon-Levitt’s facial features moderated in order to resemble a young Bruce Willis while subtle changes were made in voice recognition.

The backdrop of Shanghai and Louisiana perfectly detach the two alternate time periods as well as providing a visually stunning setting.

Gordon-Levitt once again showcases his tremendous range as an actor, carrying on from his fine showing in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.

The chemistry between Gordon-Levitt and Willis is instantly recognisable in what must have been an unusual role for both, portraying the same character.

A special mention goes to Emily Blunt for providing the customary female role and to Pierce Gagnon who performed admirably in his first major motion picture.

The only slight negative aspect is that there is no major twist, Johnson instead opting for an emotionally fulfilling end, fitting of an exceptional film.

Image top: Looper page on Facebook