You know how movies are always overhyped? 'Gravity' isn't

We just got home from the theater after seeing Gravity and of course, the first thing I wanted to do was run to the computer and get this all out for you guys. It's a snap review, which means I write my initial impressions, though in many cases, great films stay with me for a long time. And Gravity is one of those great ones. I absolutely believe I'll write again about this movie, as an Oscar contender and, later, as a classic example of outstanding film making at its very best.

The short version: I loved Gravity. I loved every second of Gravity. I'm telling everyone I know to please, go see Gravity now, in the theater, because in IMAX 3-D, this film exceeds even my own wildest expectations. It's an event. It's a happening. So make time, find the cash and get ready for the ride of your life.

First and foremost, let me say this: Alfonso Cuaron is a master of his craft. This is apparent throughout the duration of Gravity, but it's particularly notable during the pulse-pounding first major scene. It's the one where Sandra Bullock, as Dr. Ryan Stone, and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are working during a fairly routine spacewalk that quickly becomes a matter of life and death. I was gripping my arm rests so hard my hands are still sore even as I type this. I've never seen a scene like that before in any movie, ever. It's up there with some of the greatest movie segments ever shot on film, in my opinion.

I know that I'm gushing. And you will be too, I assure you. I knew going into this that Alfonso Cuaron was incredibly talented (he directed Children of Men, one of my favorite films ever, and he also directed my favorite of the Harry Potter movies, Prisoner of Azkaban). I knew that Gravity was getting an incredible amount of huge buzz after showings at various film festivals. Critics were clearly raving about Gravity, so hey, I figured it would be a good movie.

It's way more than that. Gravity is the perfect example of why I still love to go see movies in theaters. Don't wait for the DVD. You need to experience Gravity on the big screen. Do not miss it. Yes, it's positively dizzying but despite my own reservations about possible motion sickness, that never happened (thankfully). But I sure felt like I was right there, hurtling through zero gravity space end over end with Sandra Bullock as she fought to get her bearings (and to breathe).

I will not tell you about the story of Gravity other than to say that yes, it involves stranded astronauts in space and yes, the main focus is on Sandra Bullock's character. The story is compelling for the entire 91 minutes, start to finish. I keep thinking I should criticize something but I can't. I honestly am sitting here trying to nitpick - it's not happening. Gravity is a ridiculously epic film, the best ever about space (yes, that even means Apollo 13). Sure, there are some discrepancies in the story, but I just honestly don't care. Sometimes a movie is just go great you are willing to overlook certain things.

And I asked my spouse, who wanted so badly to become an astronaut when he was little, if he'd still want to be one as we walked (wobbly) out of the theater. "No. No absolutely not never no." So yes, this film is frighteningly realistic. I just found this piece on how Alfonso Cuaron managed to film this magnificent movie and to make it so totally believable. Watch the interview, it's great. And yes, Gravity is groundbreaking, it's like nothing I've ever seen and I agree that the way this film was shot and directed "will likely impact the way cinema will be made from now on." One can only hope!

I haven't even mentioned that I absolutely believe Sandra Bullock gives the performance of her career in Gravity. It's an Academy Award-worthy performance, to say the least, and it's a way stronger performance than she gave in The Blind Side (which won her a Best Actress Oscar). Get ready to see her on the red carpet in a few months for this movie.

It is rare that I will ever urge you guys to spend a lot of extra money to see a film in IMAX 3-D. I'm telling you to make an exception: See Gravity in this format. Once you do, please let me know what you thought, okay? I'm going to be thinking about this one for days, weeks, months and years.

Photos courtesy of The Atlantic and AwardsDaily.com