Rock Solid

Rating: 9/10 (24 April 2013)

Some movie reviewers are just not up to watching SciFi. It's the only reason for tepid reviews to me. If it ain't StarWars or StarTrek they won't get it.
No movie is perfect including this one. My very lightweight knocks on Oblivion are:
1) You won't leave the theater meditating on the meaning of life, the universe or human consciousness (like say The Matrix Part 1, or Inception).
2) You won't deeply hate the antagonist when he/she/they/it get what is so richly deserved. It's there, because it has to be there, but it's not over-sold.
Oblivion is nowhere near as complex as Avatar, StarWars, StarTrek etc, but it IS a complete story and well told. The entire plot holds together for me, with a very few (non-fatal) glitches.
Seeds for the plot twists are there, but you may not catch them so you can be surprised.
You will be amazed at the set designer's earth-based mechanicals and architecture (stuff that might even humble a Steve Jobs). Watch for the swimming pool. Off-planet stuff looks like the work of a different crew, over-reaching and derivative, but minor.
The characters are well written, directed and acted. You will like Cruise's lead character immediately (unlike say John Carter or the Great and Powerful Oz).
"The Camera Loves Him" - even at age 50 with Cruise's face touching 3-4 sides of the screen. He can also ACT that close up. You will like his character in part because he is well written, but also well directed and very well acted. Tom's real-life wacky SciFi faith might have cost him two amazing wives, but it didn't take away his ability to perform. Might even help, a topic for another day.
I say: Rock-solid SciFi storytelling. You'll get your money's worth, even if you buy the big popcorn and a drink... and IMAX.