View the trailer HERE!

I have a confession to make.  I love the idea of time travel.  I don’t know what it is about it that appeals to me, but I have always loved it, even when it’s hokey, but especially when it’s done well and makes since.  So, with that said, I have to say that I have been waiting for this film since I first saw a trailer back in June 2012.    I know, high expectations.

A looper is the name given to the guys charged with the killing of mafia hits from the future (2074ish) sent back to another time (2044ish) bound and hooded for the soul purpose of being killed with no evidence of the hit.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Joe, a looper who is good at his job, but is also stealing from the man who pays him.

“Closing the loop” means that at some point in time you will kill your future self.  This is a given, and you won’t know you’ve done it until after it’s happened.  Imagine Young Joe’s surprise when Old Joe (Bruce WIllis) appears without a hood and takes off before he can close his loop.

Old Joe has a great story to tell Young Joe about the future, how it all works, why he is there and how they can save the future.  For some this can be very confusing but for those who get it, it’s magical the way the story unfolds and most especially how it ends!   Add to the plot the search for the kid who holds the key and you even get a touch of horror movie, for good measure.

Rian Johnson is the writer-director responsible for this Film District release.  He weaves an interesting narrative that allows room for the characters to breathe and develop.  As for the acting, Gordon-Levitt does a good job with the role, but I did find myself thinking he was trying too hard to affect Bruce Willis’ mannerisms and his makeup was distracting.  On the other hand, you have Bruce Willis who is no John McClane here.  He comes off as tired and looks too old for all this.

Some could find the story slow, many will find the story boring (I’ve already seen this comment on facebook.), and there is plenty of violence and gore (not my favorite, but here it makes sense), but for those who appreciate good story telling that unfolds at its own pace, Looper is right on time.

FOUR COOKIES

This film has been Rated R for violence, gore, nudity, sexual situations and language.