Looper (2012)

Looper (2012)

Every so often a movie comes along that adds a completely new way to think about time travel in science fiction. Looper, written and directed by Rian Johnson, does this and more. Looper features two star actors: Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and supporting actress Emily Blunt. Willis and Gordon-Levitt both play the role of "Joe", a Looper whose job is to kill and dispose of anyone the mob needs to get rid of from the future. When the mob no longer needs the service of a Looper, they "close the loop" by sending back the Looper from the future to be killed. Bruce Willis is sent back but escapes being killed by his past self, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and seeks to change the past to save his future.

Looper, provides a whole new way to look at time travel while keeping these new ideas within the realm of what we already enjoy about it. The movie gives us just enough information about this time linked world to understand what's going on, but to also wonder how it got to be that way. The way the scenes are shown in the movie can sometimes be confusing as to what timeline you are currently viewing, but are done in a way that does a much better job of describing the time confused events. The entire concept is interesting enough to be completely engrossed in this story of time travel and crave the details left out.

The world portrayed in Looper has the look and feel of the modern world, but hints of a science fictional world can be seen all around. In this slightly futuristic world, a mutation in humanity has occurred where some are able to control objects with their mind. These "TKs" are very stereotypical of science fictional fantasies and worlds and allow us to further delve into this fascinating world of the future.

Subtle references to other films can be found in the movie, such as the club, La Belle Aurore, acts as the headquarters for the Loopers is named after the bistro in Paris where Rick and Ilsa meet in Casablanca (1942). Another reference found in the film is the chase through the cane fields which emulates the chase found in North by Northwest (1959).

The movie ends as any good science fictional tale should, with a time paradox that results in a thrilling conclusion between Joseph Gordon Levitt and Bruce Willis that will shock some and satisfy others. Regardless, Looper is a must see movie for any who love science fiction or time travel or both. Looper provides an experience that will leave you wanting more.