In a time where science fiction films have come down to nothing but explosions and fast-cut action scenes, there is always that one film that goes against the system. Two years ago, Inception reinivented the concept of dreams, a subgenre of science fiction that at the time was difficult to explain really well. Time travel has been a similar subgenre: difficult to explain, yet has been in multiple films. Looper has reinvented the concept of time-travel, making it complex but at the same time easier to understand.
The film's heart really exists due to Rian Johnson's ingenious script. On the surface, you may assume it's a cat-and-mouse sci-fi thriller. However, the script takes many twists and turns throughout, making this one of the most unpredictable films I've seen in years. Also, Johnson sets up his own time-travel rules in the beginning of the film and follows them perfectly until the end.
The acting also sells the film very well for me. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is at the top of his game here, he nails it as a young Bruce Willis. He has his voice, mannerisms, and even the way he walks. Gordon-Levitt has done what it's sometimes impossible to do: imitate every aspect of an actor and do it really well. Willis also does a wonderful job here, his emotions are genuine and you feel for his character throughout. This is the first recent film I've seen where Willis actually does a great job in it.
I also really liked the futuristic world that Rian Johnson created in this film. It looks just like our society but with a more run down look to it. It's a more realistic vision of the future compared to recent science fiction films.
I was very surprised by the amount of heart and humor this film had. The interactions between Willis and Gordon-Levitt provide the most humor, because of true genuine feelings between these characters. There's also a lot of touching sequences throughout the film, creating heart as a result, and making any slow scene great to watch.
In the end, I was very pleased with Looper. Rian Johnson has created one of the smartest, well-thought out, and unpredictable science fiction films I have seen in years. Due to great performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, a smart script, and a refreshingly original plot, Looper takes a lot of risks but ends up accomplishing its tasks without any problems. Looper is not only the best science fiction film this year, but it remains one of this year's best and I question how this film could possibly not end up on my top ten list this year.
Rating: 10 out of 10-Pure Masterpiece
