Oblivion Review

Rating: 9/10 (15 April 2013)

I was initially drawn into this film for its post-apocalyptic landscapes and the promise of plenty of eye candy. Overall, the film delivers tremendously; the whole film is really slick-looking, with a modest array of high-tech vehicles, weapons, and gadgets on display, as the main character explores a ruined Earth and confronts aliens, robots, bad guys, and more. There are some really cool chases, fights, and shootouts throughout the film, which are satisfying without getting overblown. Pacing is not terribly fast, but not really that slow either; it finds an ample comfort zone somewhere between being action-packed and letting the story breathe.
Even though there is a lot of style and spectacle involved, most of Oblivion is driven by a certain mystery revolving around the characters and events, which keep you glued to the story to see where the character goes and what he discovers. The twists that pop up are somewhat predictable (especially since some things may have been spoiled in the trailer already), and the story overall takes on a familiar formula seen in plenty of other films. However, the big twists and all their subtle nuances make good sense and stimulate enough brain cells to make it a satisfying storytelling venture. Characters are developed just enough to make them stand out, and the film overall has just enough of an emotional touch to make it feel important. If there's anything to complain about, it would be a few minor nitpicks (chief among them, the ending looks so much like the ending for Independence Day).
This film has very solid photography and editing. Acting is pretty decent; I'm not that much of a Tom Cruise fan, but I felt he did this role good justice, while the leading ladies offered the best performances. Writing is pretty good. This production has some excellent sets, props, and costumes. A few special effects seems weak, but most are great. Music is quite impressive and appropriate as well (bears much in common with the Tron: Legacy score).
The most critical of audiences might just write this one off as more style over substance, but it is a darn good style. It's not high-brow sci-fi, but the story is clever enough to rise above most other gloopy Hollywood blockbusters. And for a sci-fi fan like myself, I felt it was perfectly entertaining and interesting.
Recommended! 4.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good)