A Good, Old Fashioned, Sci-Fi Story

Rating: 8/10 (19 April 2013)

If you're looking for Transformers robots fighting, big explosions, and no plot...this is not the movie for you. This is a story that happens to have some special effects instead of the other way around, which is nice to see for a change, since it's been awhile. The '80s were dappled with sci-fi movies with story and with heart and then they disappeared off the map until recently...though, most of the recent sci-fi films are all effects and little story. I'm actually surprised that the director of this film's first film was of that variety. I'm glad I didn't know the director's last film was 'Tron: Legacy,' otherwise, I probably would not have gone to see 'Oblivion,' or at least not be excited about it.
I wasn't sure what to expect but the film met my expectations of measuring up. It wasn't a Disney animated film for adults, instead, it had substance. It kind of reminded me of the feel of 'I am Legend' but with a sci-fi spin. It had nice pacing, it was beautiful to look at, it had intrigue and mystery (though, I kind of knew the direction the film would go from the beginning...but it still had plenty of mystery to keep my interested). A lot of the film is based around the mystery, story, and the acting. And since they chose a great cast of actors it was easy to watch them and compelling. This is a film for true geeks and people who just like a good story. Knuckle draggers who crush beer cans with their foreheads and drive over-sized pickup trucks with knobby tires...this will probably not be their cup of tea...or PBR. Not enough explosions or scantily clad women, which is fine for the rest of us, who actually liked to be challenged and actually think.