Well balanced and capturing sci-fi

Rating: 8/10 (9 March 2014)

Oblivion is a film that succeeds in something that is increasingly uncommon in films, especially high-caliber, visually elaborate films. It ties up the bundle leaving no loose ends. When the movie ends it gives the viewer a sense of satisfaction; a sense that everything in the film had a purpose and the different elements were in balance. The film is visually impressive to watch and the setting of the story is capturing. There is action but not too much to undermine the atmosphere and mystery of the story. The dialogue is not excessive either and that which is there is well thought through. The characters are convincing, both in script and in the performance of the actors.
The story line is one that could easily give rise to a 2-hour explanatory monologue and far from all questions that may arise in the viewer are answered. However, in this case that is not a problem. The film itself doesn't address more questions than it answers. It does not attempt to explain everything; it focuses on only a few characters and their story, no more. This is why Oblivion succeeds rather well. It does not try to take a bigger bite than what a 2-hour film can chew. The result is a well-working balance that is enjoyable to watch and satisfying afterwards. For anyone who finds the film's genre interesting, Oblivion is worth to watch as it easily ranks among the better sci-fi productions of past years.