The opening shot alone, which runs for over five minutes and probably much more without a single cut, is something to behold. It is also one of the reasons why it is so imperative to see this on an IMAX or other large screen. Cuarón utilizes the long shot often throughout “Gravity”. It is not an art form often seen in movies these days, but thanks to a new technology the director worked to create, he uses it extremely well. If, during the end credits, you read, “Shot on location in outer space,” you would believe it. The movie should be a lock for Best Special Effects. Watch as a bead of sweat or tear drop simply floats away from a character.

Alfonso Cuarón certainly looks likely to pick up some writing and directing nominations come this awards season (he co-wrote it with his son, Jonás), but don’t be surprised if Clooney and Bullock also score some nominations for their performances. In Sandra Bullock’s case, she really has outdone herself in this movie. Actors often rely on playing off other characters they share a scene with, but Bullock is often on her own in “Gravity” acting with scenery that she could not see during filming, but would be added later in post-production.

“Gravity” is one of those movies that grabs you from the first frame and does not let you go to the very last. The movie feels like it takes place in real time, Alfonso Cuarón does that good of a job putting it all together. In a time when the market is over-saturated with 3D movies that have no business taking up those screens, it is refreshing to find a movie that takes advantage of the technology to give the viewer a great cinematic experience. It is rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.