Gravity hit theatres in the US on Friday (Oct 4th) and launched with $17.5 million dollars at the box office. The space epic is expected to reach the $50 million mark in its North American debut this weekend. If it does earn that amount, the film will be one of the top October openings of all time and the best for a non-sequel.

gravity
Clooney and Bullock star as two astraunauts who fight for thier survival in space

The story of survival is directed by Alfonso Cuaron and stars Hollywood heavyweights, George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. The 3D extravaganza has already received critical acclaim with most commenting on the spectacular cinematic effects and the visual experience.

Richard Reoper of the Chicago Sun-Times described it as "one of the most stunning visual treats of the year and one of the most unforgettable thrill rides in recent memory".

Keneth Turan from The Los Angeles Times also praised the visual effects as he said "words can do little to convey the visual astonishment this space opera creates. It is a film whose impact must be experienced in 3-D on a theatrical screen to be fully understood".

Watch the 'Gravity' trailer here

Claudia Puig of USA Today added that watching 'Gravity' is "the kind of enthralling, all-encompassing, giddy cinematic experience that surfaces once in a blue moon."

The stars of the film are also likely to break their own box office records as Bullocks highest three day-opener is 'The Heat' which earned $39.1 million and Clooney's is 'Batman & Robin' which earned $42.9 million.

'Gravity' is greatly benefitting from inflated 3D and IMAX ticket prices but it is set to be a domestic and international success regardless, and with its strong opening day film that follows two astronauts left floating in space when their space shuttle is damaged, is creating some serious Oscar buzz.

gravity
Gravity is creating alot of Oscar buzz after its strong opening at the box office