Time travel is popular subject among science fiction fans, yet difficult concept for filmmakers. When done well, it could result in genre classics like The Terminator and Twelve Monkeys. Another title that could aspire for that lofty goal is Looper, 2012 film directed by Rian Johnson (nowadays best known for the latest Star Wars film). The plot begins in 2044, in a technologically advanced society where the masses are impoverished and prone to solve their problems through crime. That includes Joe Simmons (played by Joseph Gordon-Leavitt), young hitman specialised in disposing targets delivered from the future via time machine. The latest job becomes complicated when it turns out that the target is his future self (played by Bruce Willis). Looper features excellent acting – with Gordon-Leavitt and Willis convincingly mimicing each other – and well-built dark future world. But the most impressive thing is in the script that handles Grandfather Paradox in a convincing and efficient way. The character of single mother (played by always dependable Emily Blunt), which is supposed to bring some conventional morality to this dark film, appears a little bit too late; otherwise Looper is almost perfect time travel film.
RATING: 8/10