EDIT: My full review, after seeing it again, here: http://exm.nr/GB870i

I had hoped, especially with how it began, that it wouldn't stray sort of exactly where you would expect most movies like this to go... but it does. It goes there pretty much every time.

Which is fine. The score persistently blares when the movie should remain silent IMO, but it is terrific. Bullock has a couple of very typical monologues towards the end, but again, she's a hell of an actress, so she makes it work.

I'd compare it to a roller coaster in space.

But man, the sheer spectacle is unlike anything. Space has never looked and felt like this, really. The lengthy shots make the tension all the more unbearable. I stayed for the credits to try to figure out how the hell they made this movie.

So while I was hoping for a braver ending, it didn't diminish my overall enjoyment. As a story, it's... fine, but as an experience, it's insane.