The new science-fiction film Oblivion has been marketed as a return to original storytelling when in fact it liberally borrows some of the best plot devices of the last thirty years for its own benefit. To name the films Oblivion lifts from would be a disservice to both sides but in the end this doesn’t matter. As a piece of entertainment, the film stands on its own as a solid time at the movies.
But just barely.
Director Joseph Kosinski last made the equally uneven Tron: Legacy and both films share a gorgeous visual palette proving this young filmmaker is not a total hack. Oblivion is a step forward, tackling the story of a futuristic Earth deserted by humans after a galactic war makes the planet uninhabitable. All that remain are pockets of alien resistance and a drone repairman played by Tom Cruise who slowly begins to question if there’s anything else out there.
Depending on the amount of science-fiction you’re exposed to, the plot developments in Oblivion will either be spotted right away or catch you completely by surprise. Another strike against the film is its languid pacing. There are long gaps in Oblivion, particularly in the film’s first half, that needlessly set up plot developments that never pay off. These missteps along with awkward story choices during big dialogue scenes suggest a failed struggle in the editing room to find a successful tone.
Then there’s the film’s mysterious second half which is easy to spot but also brings Oblivion back to life, if only for a few minutes. This is where the hodgepodge of science-fiction clichés really kicks in but still manages to entertain. Again, I’m being vague on purpose. This film may be far from perfect but there’s no reason to describe every single story beat. That’s just lazy writing.
In the end, Oblivion raises far more questions than it answers but as a whole delivers adequate entertainment. Cruise is also joined by co-stars Morgan Freeman, Melissa Leo and Andrea Riseborough, all of whom know what kind of movie they’re making and seem to be enjoying themselves. It would’ve been nice to have some more of that energy rub off on the audience.
Grade: B-
Rated: PG-13 (for sci-fi action violence, brief strong language, and some sensuality/nudity.)
Oblivion opens in theaters on April 19, 2013.
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