LONDON FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW - GRAVITY

GRAVITY
Sponsored by ST. ERMIN'S HOTEL, LONDON

Release Date: 8 November 2013 (UK)

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Running Time: 91 Minutes

Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris (voice)

Screening Reviewed: London Film Festival American Airlines Gala Press Screening

Reviewed by Kyle Pedley

It’s difficult when reaching for superlatives to describe the impact and majesty of viewing Gravity and not default for the predictable, trite, tabloid-friendly puns. ‘Out of this world’, ‘stellar’ and the like seem tailor-made for trashier film critiquing of Alfonso Cuaron’s 3D galactic drama, and yet despite this, as plaudits go they are entirely accurate and appropriate - there has been nothing quite like Gravity, and if even for the technical wonderment alone it comes as a must-see experience surpassing even the likes of Avatar and Prometheus as an exercise in aesthetic immersion and awe. At a time where 3D as a buzz word has seemingly had its heyday and some would say is hovering on the verge of Chapter 11, the past few years have nonetheless each seemed to offer a critical and commercial darling. After the initial Avatar surge, 2011 saw Martin Scorsese bring Hugo to cinemas, reaping a slew of Oscar nominations and wins in the process, and last year Ang Lee picked up his second Best Director golden guy for his stunning Life of Pi. Gravity is not only inarguably this years 3D offering of choice, but also very possibly the finest of the bunch, and will undoubtedly and deservedly attract similar awards notice come February.

2013 MUST-VISITS - THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

Amongst the excitement of the awards season coming into full swing, we've also been taking a look at Film and Theatre related attractions and experiences here in the UK that may be worth your consideration when planning trips and breaks in 2013. Top of that list is the excellent Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Editor-in-Chief Kyle was invited to a trade and press visit to experience the attraction for himself last week and has put together the following review and report on the first of our must-visits of 2013.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON -
THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

Attraction Review
by Kyle Pedley, Editor-in-Chief

Having been enthralled by franchise cinema from an early age, seeing the likes of Jurassic Park in cinemas multiple times at an age when most children have yet to see the inside of their nearest multiplex, I have similarly attended my fair share of conventions, touring film attractions and making-of exhibitions. Naturally they have varied in size, scope, quality and authenticity, but none of them have achieved the scale or excellence of what Warner Bros. are offering with their superb making of experience at Leavesden Studios.

When looking at film-related ventures and experiences for the new year, there really is nowhere better to start than this incomparable Harry Potter experience which, thanks to it’s diversity and depth of content provides something the whole family can appreciate, be they Potter aficionados or clueless muggles who have never seen a minute or read a page of the beloved saga. Naturally, it is fans of the series who will benefit most from this experience, getting to venture through such iconic sets and locales as the Hogwarts Great Hall and Diagon Alley, have a peek into the offices of Professors Dumbledore and Umbridge, Hagrid’s hut, hitch a ride on the Knight Bus and go visit the homes of the wizards themselves - knocking on 4 Privet Drive or peeking into the homely idyll of the Weasley’s Burrow. Costumes, props, prosthetics, creature models, maquettes and much more adorn every inch of the sizeable tour which you are generously permitted to not only photograph at leisure but also experience generally at your own pace (within your allotted time slot).