Basically...

Rating: 7/10 (21 April 2013)

Science Fiction films are some of my favorite films of all time, even the ones that didn't make much sense, but that got me thinking and most importantly, moved me. I am still puzzled by the end of "Space Odyssey", and "Alien/Aliens" will always be at the top for their stories, execution, acting, and introducing those creatures... "Prometheus" introduced an interesting premise and promises to expand on it, and I could only wish I could say the same thing about "Oblivion". I have to admire its look and its basic storyline, but it failed to make me care for it or its protagonists. To be fair, I was suddenly intrigued by the Jack's confrontation with "himself", but in my opinion, it never picked up enough steam to succeed, and yet it is a commendable effort.
In the not so far future, Earth is just a shell of itself. (I'm a bit scared by Hollywood's new development of films where we have such a bleak future). The population has been decimated by entities that are literally sucking the life out of the planet, and whoever has survived is now away in other worlds. Since the planet is a nuclear wasteland, and there are still some of the bad guys still around, it is necessary for humans to keep an eye out and eliminate them while servicing and maintaining their energy plants. Jack (Tom Cruise) is a very effective technician/sheriff, and with the help of his girl friend and team partner, they do a very "effective" job patrolling their area.
Before we can say "Hal", and events start getting very confusing, Cruise is having flashbacks, encountering some strange "things" along the way, and he now is on a quest for the truth behind his own nature. "Oblivion" keeps you engaged, but it not because of its spiritual force, or for whatever empathy we might have for its characters. I couldn't stop watching the fluidity of the "toys" on the screen. That helicopter was something as awesome as the Nolan's Batman's transportation vehicles. They did a great job with the editing, and there is nothing wrong with the sound and visual effects, but its soul is cold, and not even Cruise's reliable man on the run routine, and Freeman's powerful vocal delivery can awaken any emotions in us.
It's a fun trip into the future, with some lovely and disturbing turns. Ang Lee was capable of showing us the soul in computer animation, and how faith works in strange ways. Ironically, the God in this movie is well, not really human at all, and it shows, and it feels so distant.