Looper - Review Thread - Page 3

Mikey-Bizzle · 10-08-2012, 05:10 AM

I don't do long reviews but thought this was pretty dam good one of the best films of the year without at doubt. 8/10

unity768 · 10-09-2012, 10:10 AM

Science fiction is one of the toughest genre’s to appeal to mass audiences. Rian Johnson’s latest opus, titled Looper, hasn’t exactly lit the house on fire at the box office, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be. This is a futuristic, wam-bam science fiction adventure that goes in directions new and old. There are large ideas and tiny tricks that Johnson uses that help us delve into the world he has created. In this future, there are certain humans that have telekinesis. It’s some sort of human genetic mutation…but those who have it can merely float coins. Our main character, Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) explains in a sort of effective voice over, just how “tacky” these abilities are pointing to particular problems.

In the future, there are loopers that kill people for the mob who are sent back in time. They appear and the looper shoots them in an instant. After some time the mob sends the actual looper back in time to be killed by none other than themselves. This is called closing your loop. This is the predicament Joe is in. Not only does he let his own loop get away from him (Bruce Willis) but manages to get entangled in a mess that observes his loop trying to kill a child who may or may not turn out to be an immense figure of evil. This is followed by some kick ass action and visual spectacles that was actually pulled off by a restrained budget. Bravo!

All the science fiction elements are in place and work effectively. The time travel and flash forward storytelling (we see certain characters storylines by halting the present time and jumping into their future) is intriguing and reels the viewer in. Time traveling is always something of a mess when tackled in movies. We all know the endless paradoxes throughout the Back to the Future Trilogy, or the lack of focus in the plot jumping throughout The Time Traveler’s Wife. Here, Bruce Willis and his younger self get into an argument about how meeting each other can impact their thinking. Willis simply yells, “I’m not going to talk about time travel!” It’s a neat way of telling the audience to simply sit back and enjoy what is being presented to you.

The time and place where we see our story unfold is poverty-stricken and somewhat of a slum. Our characters, especially Joe, are seen taking eye drop drugs and hanging out at strip clubs. I remember turning to my girlfriend and saying, “Well…the future doesn’t look too bright does it?” But this tactic does work and invites our motivation to have our characters live in a better world. This is one of the objectives that Johnson has to try and tackle…and he does so admirably. Old Joe’s back story gives us a reason to root for him. Willis is very good here, doing a lot with very little dialogue and screen time. Young Joe’s current story, involving a young woman and her son, is heartfelt and played authentically. Gordon-Levitt’s reformed face due to prosthetics is not distracting, and certainly helps us grapple with the idea of time travel and seeing your older self in current time. His work here is effective and continues his reputation as an actor that we can easily follow and get behind. Many critics criticized Christopher Nolan’s Inception for not having enough weight behind its characters, but I can’t see them nitpicking this science fiction story for the same reasons.

If there is room for criticism, it would lay in the hands of how Johnson maps out the second half of his story. Watching old Joe struggle with the concept of killing children one by one until the right one is dead is intriguing, but observing young Joe become a part of this family (young woman, played by Emily Blunt and her child) has some issues. For one, everything seems a little too audience-friendly and I connected the dots in ways that I wish I hadn’t. However, most of this time is invested in watching young Joe change his motivations and feelings. This is an example of how the film separates itself…and separates it does. Looper may not be the ground breaker that some have called it, but it is a significant achievement this year and perhaps a deeper achievement for those who put heavy stock in their science fiction stories.

nine1wing · 10-10-2012, 06:14 PM

the ending is stupid, your telling me the kid is never gonna have a temper tantrum and realise everyone kisses his ass when he starts his powers, waste of 2 hours

sshuttari · 10-10-2012, 06:16 PM

Not only did you not use spoiler tags but your review sounds like a 10 year olds

Thanks for your input!

Justin · 10-10-2012, 06:30 PM

If you're not going to provide any input as to WHY you believe it sucks, other than "the kid was annoying", then you should go somewhere else. That wasn't the point and you know it. Presumably as the kid ages, he'll be capable of controlling his emotions and his abilities more. I didn't think that would have been so difficult to grasp.

Go away.

PG Cooper · 10-10-2012, 06:54 PM

nine1wing strikes again! I nominate nine1wing for the forum's first "Poster of the Year" award. Who's with me?

IanTheCool · 10-10-2012, 07:58 PM

He has a point...

sshuttari · 10-10-2012, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

He has a point...

It's not whether he does or doesn't... Just a little consideration for other viewers of this forum, who haven't seen the movie.

IanTheCool · 10-10-2012, 10:15 PM

Ah yes. Spoilers.

Dhamon22 · 10-11-2012, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

He has a point...

I guess? The ending still leaves it open ended IMO. Maybe Joe's sacrifice works, maybe it doesn't but it gives him a chance. Sarah is alive to help him learn to control it.

Fanible · 10-13-2012, 04:26 AM

Can everyone not directly quote someone who posts a spoiler? Mmkay?

nine1wing · 10-13-2012, 07:02 AM

Yeah because it worked out so well with darth vader Lol. Sorry but any normal person who has the power to destroy will use it on purpose or on accident. You know I have a point on this, first time he gets picked on and says enough, kid doesn't get his way, or life itself, (broke, mean boss, gf cheats on him) ect ect, the ending of this movie ruined the rest of it. They changed nothing. Your telling me we wouldn't have any criminals if they had a father or mother figure in their life BS!!!!!

sshuttari · 10-13-2012, 11:19 AM

Why the hell do you not use spoiler tags. Are you a moron??? Seriously stop trolling or get banned and good riddens!

Justin · 10-13-2012, 03:04 PM

No one is saying a parent changes everything. It just gives him a better opportunity in life. How is that so difficult to understand? It doesn't even require any thought. Why do you think the kid and his mom live out in the middle of nowhere? It wasn't just a coincidence.

I also answered your question about the kid (as did Dhamon), so scroll up. Also, for the last time: BLACK OUT THE SPOILERS. That should just be a given.

JG7_ME262 · 10-13-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saveus1011

Back to the Future and Terminator might dispute that.

This movie has some of those similarities...
But solid film none the less in my opinion.

**JBond** · 10-21-2012, 12:20 AM

Ok, finally saw this. And while I think it was a very enjoyable and well-made film, I didn't love it. Science fiction is suppose to be about one thing. One thing. Someone in this thread said this movie had a better first half than second half and Ian seems to agree with with what I'm about to say, and that's that the kid's storyline does not mesh well with the rest of it. You say they're going to invent time travel and in the future? Great. You also say in the future people all of the sudden develop telekinesis? Bull****.

This felt like a cross between The Terminator and It's a Good Life. But not in a good way.

(The sequence that shows Joe age through the years was easily the best part)

***/****

Fanible · 10-21-2012, 10:47 AM

You waited too long.

Fail.

**JBond** · 10-21-2012, 12:45 PM

Also, the ending to Citizen Kane is stupid. I don't get it.

Ewok Droppings · 10-21-2012, 10:40 PM

Would it be possible to come back from the future at some point and kill this thread?

PsYkOoOoO · 10-22-2012, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBond

Ok, finally saw this. And while I think it was a very enjoyable and well-made film, I didn't love it. Science fiction is suppose to be about one thing. One thing. Someone in this thread said this movie had a better first half than second half and Ian seems to agree with with what I'm about to say, and that's that the kid's storyline does not mesh well with the rest of it. You say they're going to invent time travel and in the future? Great. You also say in the future people all of the sudden develop telekinesis? Bull****.

This felt like a cross between The Terminator and It's a Good Life. But not in a good way.

(The sequence that shows Joe age through the years was easily the best part)

***/****

I quite enjoyed the fact that telekinesis snuck up on me the way it did.

sshuttari · 10-22-2012, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fanible

You waited too long.

Fail.

My friend saw this movie after hearing about all the spoilers and what was going to happen in the 2nd half... He didn't enjoy the movie at all... Lost all it's tension and surprises.

Knerys · 10-27-2012, 11:23 AM

Saw this on Wednesday. I loved it. It did get a little muddy in the middle but the payoff was worth it. And on a personal note, scifi it's supposed to make you think about the little questions.

Though again, not marketed correctly by the studios. I'm about to stop paying attention to promotions all together.

8/10

FranklinTard · 11-07-2012, 11:01 AM

death of the year for paul dano's character.

hated the tk element to the story though.

Jack · 11-07-2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBond

Ok, finally saw this. And while I think it was a very enjoyable and well-made film, I didn't love it. Science fiction is suppose to be about one thing. One thing. Someone in this thread said this movie had a better first half than second half and Ian seems to agree with with what I'm about to say, and that's that the kid's storyline does not mesh well with the rest of it. You say they're going to invent time travel and in the future? Great. You also say in the future people all of the sudden develop telekinesis? Bull****.

This felt like a cross between The Terminator and It's a Good Life. But not in a good way.

(The sequence that shows Joe age through the years was easily the best part)

***/****

Whoa whoa whoa...you're saying this movie has space battles...and they can move things with their mind!? I'm out.

I hear what JBond is saying, but I loved, loved, loved the second half of this film. I thought the pacing was much better and thought the stakes much higher. I loved that I knew nothing about it either from the marketing. As a film though, they plant the seed for TK pretty early. It is a turn in tempo and emphasis, no doubt, but it worked really well for me.

IanTheCool · 11-07-2012, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack

Whoa whoa whoa...you're saying this movie has space battles...and they can move things with their mind!? I'm out.

Its long been argued that Star Wars is more fantasy than sci-fi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack

the stakes much higher.

Are you a Filmspotting listener, by chance?

View Poll Results: Rate LOOPER
10	6	26.09%
9	7	30.43%
8	7	30.43%
7	3	13.04%
6	0	0%
5	0	0%
4	0	0%
3	0	0%
2	0	0%
1	0	0%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

10-09-2012, 10:10 AM	#52
unity768 Executive Producer Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,515	Science fiction is one of the toughest genre’s to appeal to mass audiences. Rian Johnson’s latest opus, titled Looper, hasn’t exactly lit the house on fire at the box office, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be. This is a futuristic, wam-bam science fiction adventure that goes in directions new and old. There are large ideas and tiny tricks that Johnson uses that help us delve into the world he has created. In this future, there are certain humans that have telekinesis. It’s some sort of human genetic mutation…but those who have it can merely float coins. Our main character, Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) explains in a sort of effective voice over, just how “tacky” these abilities are pointing to particular problems. In the future, there are loopers that kill people for the mob who are sent back in time. They appear and the looper shoots them in an instant. After some time the mob sends the actual looper back in time to be killed by none other than themselves. This is called closing your loop. This is the predicament Joe is in. Not only does he let his own loop get away from him (Bruce Willis) but manages to get entangled in a mess that observes his loop trying to kill a child who may or may not turn out to be an immense figure of evil. This is followed by some kick ass action and visual spectacles that was actually pulled off by a restrained budget. Bravo! All the science fiction elements are in place and work effectively. The time travel and flash forward storytelling (we see certain characters storylines by halting the present time and jumping into their future) is intriguing and reels the viewer in. Time traveling is always something of a mess when tackled in movies. We all know the endless paradoxes throughout the Back to the Future Trilogy, or the lack of focus in the plot jumping throughout The Time Traveler’s Wife. Here, Bruce Willis and his younger self get into an argument about how meeting each other can impact their thinking. Willis simply yells, “I’m not going to talk about time travel!” It’s a neat way of telling the audience to simply sit back and enjoy what is being presented to you. The time and place where we see our story unfold is poverty-stricken and somewhat of a slum. Our characters, especially Joe, are seen taking eye drop drugs and hanging out at strip clubs. I remember turning to my girlfriend and saying, “Well…the future doesn’t look too bright does it?” But this tactic does work and invites our motivation to have our characters live in a better world. This is one of the objectives that Johnson has to try and tackle…and he does so admirably. Old Joe’s back story gives us a reason to root for him. Willis is very good here, doing a lot with very little dialogue and screen time. Young Joe’s current story, involving a young woman and her son, is heartfelt and played authentically. Gordon-Levitt’s reformed face due to prosthetics is not distracting, and certainly helps us grapple with the idea of time travel and seeing your older self in current time. His work here is effective and continues his reputation as an actor that we can easily follow and get behind. Many critics criticized Christopher Nolan’s Inception for not having enough weight behind its characters, but I can’t see them nitpicking this science fiction story for the same reasons. If there is room for criticism, it would lay in the hands of how Johnson maps out the second half of his story. Watching old Joe struggle with the concept of killing children one by one until the right one is dead is intriguing, but observing young Joe become a part of this family (young woman, played by Emily Blunt and her child) has some issues. For one, everything seems a little too audience-friendly and I connected the dots in ways that I wish I hadn’t. However, most of this time is invested in watching young Joe change his motivations and feelings. This is an example of how the film separates itself…and separates it does. Looper may not be the ground breaker that some have called it, but it is a significant achievement this year and perhaps a deeper achievement for those who put heavy stock in their science fiction stories. __________________ Unity, as one stand together Unity, evolution's gonna come movie reviews- http://tgattoblog.wordpress.com/ Last edited by unity768; 12-08-2012 at 05:38 PM.

10-10-2012, 06:14 PM	#53
nine1wing Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 378	the ending is stupid, your telling me the kid is never gonna have a temper tantrum and realise everyone kisses his ass when he starts his powers, waste of 2 hours Last edited by Fanible; 10-13-2012 at 04:25 AM.

10-10-2012, 06:30 PM	#55
Justin Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 11,920	If you're not going to provide any input as to WHY you believe it sucks, other than "the kid was annoying", then you should go somewhere else. That wasn't the point and you know it. Presumably as the kid ages, he'll be capable of controlling his emotions and his abilities more. I didn't think that would have been so difficult to grasp. Go away. Last edited by Fanible; 10-13-2012 at 04:25 AM.

10-10-2012, 06:54 PM	#56
PG Cooper Raging Bull Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 6,181	nine1wing strikes again! I nominate nine1wing for the forum's first "Poster of the Year" award. Who's with me? __________________ PG Cooper's Movie Reviews Our Youtube Channel CS! Recod Holder: Quickest Review in the Film Club (2 hours 19 minutes). April 18th, 2013, 9:24 PM-???? "Terminator 2's a pretty awesome movie."- Paul Thomas Anderson Last edited by Fanible; 10-13-2012 at 04:25 AM.

10-08-2012, 05:10 AM	#51
Mikey-Bizzle Executive Producer Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Birmingham, UK Posts: 353	I don't do long reviews but thought this was pretty dam good one of the best films of the year without at doubt. 8/10

10-10-2012, 07:58 PM	#57
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,488	He has a point...

10-10-2012, 10:15 PM	#59
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,488	Ah yes. Spoilers.

10-13-2012, 04:26 AM	#61
Fanible FanFreakinTastic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oh, hi yo Posts: 15,925	Can everyone not directly quote someone who posts a spoiler? Mmkay? __________________ My movie addiction is life controlling

10-13-2012, 07:02 AM	#62
nine1wing Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 378	Yeah because it worked out so well with darth vader Lol. Sorry but any normal person who has the power to destroy will use it on purpose or on accident. You know I have a point on this, first time he gets picked on and says enough, kid doesn't get his way, or life itself, (broke, mean boss, gf cheats on him) ect ect, the ending of this movie ruined the rest of it. They changed nothing. Your telling me we wouldn't have any criminals if they had a father or mother figure in their life BS!!!!! Last edited by Fanible; 10-13-2012 at 03:11 PM.

10-13-2012, 03:04 PM	#64
Justin Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 11,920	No one is saying a parent changes everything. It just gives him a better opportunity in life. How is that so difficult to understand? It doesn't even require any thought. Why do you think the kid and his mom live out in the middle of nowhere? It wasn't just a coincidence. I also answered your question about the kid (as did Dhamon), so scroll up. Also, for the last time: BLACK OUT THE SPOILERS. That should just be a given. Last edited by Justin; 10-13-2012 at 06:24 PM.

10-21-2012, 12:20 AM	#66
JBond Beyond Join Date: May 2000 Location: Sol Posts: 67,680	Ok, finally saw this. And while I think it was a very enjoyable and well-made film, I didn't love it. Science fiction is suppose to be about one thing. One thing. Someone in this thread said this movie had a better first half than second half and Ian seems to agree with with what I'm about to say, and that's that the kid's storyline does not mesh well with the rest of it. You say they're going to invent time travel and in the future? Great. You also say in the future people all of the sudden develop telekinesis? Bull**. This felt like a cross between The Terminator and It's a Good Life. But not in a good way. (The sequence that shows Joe age through the years was easily the best part) /* __________________ The due date for Round 137 of the CS Film Club is Monday, July 1st, 2013.** 59 out of 64 Hugo Award winners completed. "Die Hard 5 makes Die Hard 4 look like Die Hard 1" - Doomsday

10-21-2012, 10:47 AM	#67
Fanible FanFreakinTastic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oh, hi yo Posts: 15,925	You waited too long. Fail. __________________ My movie addiction is life controlling

10-21-2012, 12:45 PM	#68
JBond Beyond Join Date: May 2000 Location: Sol Posts: 67,680	Also, the ending to Citizen Kane is stupid. I don't get it. __________________ The due date for Round 137 of the CS Film Club is Monday, July 1st, 2013. 59 out of 64 Hugo Award winners completed. "Die Hard 5 makes Die Hard 4 look like Die Hard 1" - Doomsday

10-21-2012, 10:40 PM	#69
Ewok Droppings Executive Producer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Endor Forest Floor Posts: 14,481	Would it be possible to come back from the future at some point and kill this thread? __________________ The flat Earth myth is one of the greatest errors in modern history.

10-27-2012, 11:23 AM	#72
Knerys 1701 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Qo'noS Posts: 32,068	Saw this on Wednesday. I loved it. It did get a little muddy in the middle but the payoff was worth it. And on a personal note, scifi it's supposed to make you think about the little questions. Though again, not marketed correctly by the studios. I'm about to stop paying attention to promotions all together. 8/10 __________________ "I have been and always shall be your friend."

11-07-2012, 11:01 AM	#73
FranklinTard Gangsta White Walls Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 15,810	death of the year for paul dano's character. hated the tk element to the story though. __________________ Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well- warmed, and well-fed. -Herman Melville (1819 - 1891)