Entertaining if not memorable

Rating: 6/10 (10 September 2013)

After the visual stimulus that was TRON:Legacy director Joseph Kosinski has again crafted a feast for the eyes and a movie hard to appreciate on an emotional level. Oblivion looks the goods thanks to its naturally stunning Iceland vistas with added CGI effects but it's a film that's not as grand as it thinks it is and a film that sadly isn't as pretty as it wants to be.
Oblivion aims for the epic and doesn't reach it. The story of Tom Cruise's repairman Jack allows for lots of character development and growth but no matter how much Jack develops there is never a real sense of connection to his character or those of the female leads in Anna Riseborough as Victoria and Kurylenko as Julia. Another aspect that works against Oblivion is very weirdly the kitsch look of the whole film, diminishing the hard work of the movie and its backstory history.
For a film that cost in the vicinity of $120 million Oblivion looks awkwardly cheap in its effects and props. Examples of this can be seen in Morgan Freeman's wardrobe (seriously why is Freeman chuffing on a cigar?), the films weapons and vehicles and the final act of the film has some of the worst CGI this side of Sharknado. If Kosinski wants his visions to meet their full potential more attention needs to be paid to how the film looks as a finished product.
With all this negative talk it must be said that thanks to the intriguing enough story and mystery the film presents Oblivion is always watchable and there are enough well-constructed scenes to keep the viewer glued to their seat. In regards to Tom Cruise no matter what the naysayers can come up with, the man can act and here holds the film with his presence. Kosinski is an interesting director and one can feel soon enough a movie for him will click not just visually but emotionally and when that day comes it will be a joy to behold.
P.S – someone give GOT's The King Slayer (Coster-Waldau) a decent role already! 3 drones out of 5 For more reviews and opinions on movies check out - www.jordanandeddie.wordpress.com