Looper

Release Date: Sep 28, 2012 
Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min. 
Director: Rian Johnson 
Cast: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah Segan, Jeff Daniels, Piper Perabo.

Whether it's past, present, or future, the concept of time travel has perpetually eluded even the most brilliant of minds. How does it work, and who or what does it affect? Do multiple timelines exist, and if so, which is the reality? While the answers may never be concrete, Rian Johnson explores the possibilities in his latest project, "Looper." Set in two variations of the future, crime bosses use time travel to dispose of unwanted bodies, delegating so-called "Loopers" to get the job done. The only rule of thumb? Don't lose your target. For Joe (Gordon-Levitt), it's a mundane life with high rewards and low risks...until the day he makes the error of letting his future self (Willis) get away. If you expected a fast-paced thrill ride as shown in the trailer, then you'd be somewhat disappointed. While the film exhibits classic sci-fi elements, it also circumvents the usual parameters surrounding time travel, instead questioning the moralities behind it in a 'what if' type of situation. Heavily allegorical at times, and slow to transpire, the plot is more intricate than it initially implies. And that's where it gets tricky as variables come into play, with Old Joe wanting one thing and Young Joe wanting another. It's enough to make your mind churn with paradoxes and plot holes, in addition to a secondary storyline that seems strangely out of place. But Johnson gets credit for originality and audaciousness, crafting a sci-fi thriller that hinges on perplexity, not to mention casting two leads who look nothing alike. Prostheses or not, Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a brilliant job of playing young Bruce, voice mimicry and all, to the point where it's eerie when the two share the same screen. Willis, himself, gives a moving performance while retaining his tough guy ego, undoubtedly being one of his best to date. With the recent surge of highly-stylized, futuristic reboots, a la "Total Recall" and "Dredd," it's refreshing to see a stripped down version that does more with less. While "Looper" is by no means a flawless time travel conception, it's still honestly thought-provoking. Just don't overthink it too much or you may find yourself closing the loop.

Rating: 3½ stars