Some people say that the past is another country. Well, if this so, the future must be another planet. Certainly, it often seems this way in this sci-fi thriller set in the 2040s. In this vision of a futuristic society, some people have the power to move objects with their minds, others drive around on flying motorbikes. Everyone seems to be armed.

More to the point, time travel has been invented thirty years hence and many organised crime gangs from the future now routinely send their victims back into the past to be despatched by “loopers”: basically hired assassins. Joe (Gordon-Levitt) is one such looper. The problem comes when one day Joe recognises his latest target (Willis): it is his future self.  What should he do?

If Looper sounds a bit complicated, that’s because it is. But it’s great to see a science fiction film which manages to be as thought provoking as it is action packed. Although the idea that Joseph Gordon-Levitt might one day turn into Bruce Willis takes some swallowing, both actors are great, particularly during a Heat-style confrontation between the two Joes in a diner. Emily Blunt also provides able support as the mother of a young boy with a big future.

But ultimately with elements of The Terminator, Minority Report and The Prestige, this is undoubtedly one of the most unmissable films of 2012.

Four out of five.

Out: now. Director: Rian Johnson. Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Jeff Daniels

Certificate: 15. Time: 118 minutes

Reviewer: Chris Hallam.