Clooney is better in smaller roles
It's often remarked that George Clooney always seems to play versions of himself. I think this is true in every role I've seen him in, but to greatly varying degrees. In big-budget action films I can only see 'George Clooney' on the screen, often irritatingly cool or smug. In smaller films like this or Up in the Air, or even Solaris (yes it's sci-fi, but not BIG sci-fi) I see the character more.
Btw I haven't seen Gravity so I can't comment on that.