Science Fiction In Its Purest Form

Rating: 8/10 (5 March 2017)

Generally speaking, my favorite films are the ones that are pretty much genre-diverse. Yet, if I do break down into genres, my favorite is science fiction. That is the reason for the five-star ranking of "Oblivion", as it is simply the purest form of sci-fi put to film.
For a basic plot summary, this movie sees the team of Jack (Tom Cruise) and Victoria (Andrea Riseborough) monitoring the water-removal from Earth after the planet has been decimated by attack ("we used the nukes", says Jack in an opening montage). On one "away mission", however, Jack is blind-side by Beech (Morgan Freeman), the leader of a gang of rogues that changes everything that Jack has ever believed in (or thought he believed in).
Plot-wise, this is science fiction at its finest. It is part other-worldly, part cautionary tale, part human drama, and all adventure throughout. For those who have watched a lot of sci-fi, all the basic "landmarks" of such stories are touched upon. It doesn't get old or feel re-hashed, though, as director Joseph Kosinski makes sure to keep the proceedings on track and moving forward.
The visuals of "Oblivion" are also spectacular. You'll feel as if you truly are in the future via the use of interesting, integrated new technologies. This isn't one of those "all visuals" movies, by no means, but it would be more accurate to say that the visuals perfectly complement the story lines and characters.
Overall, sci-fi fans will love "Oblivion" for its ability to make the mind wonder. It might not be the flick for everyone, but if it looks even at all intriguing to you it's a pretty good bet you'll at least find it somewhat enjoyable (if not much more so).