Joe was just a low-level assassin for the future mob, a “looper” who waits at a specific place to shotgun some unlucky fellow sent back through time. That is until the target that shows up is his future self. A staggering chase begins with the mob trying to kill Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Joe trying to kill his future self, and old Joe (Bruce Willis) trying to kill the little boy who may or may not grow up into a telekinetic monstrosity. Once again proving himself a serious talent, Gordon-Levitt carries the heavy load of inhabiting Willis through facial mannerisms and grumbled dialogue. High praise should also go to writer/director Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom), who uses a fresh premise as a starting point for a mesmerizing, thoughtful and gratifying film. Looper excels in multitudes.
