A Movie for People Who Have Never Seen Other Movies

Rating: 4/10 (29 April 2013)

If you've never seen a movie before,"Oblivion" is a good place to start. For one thing, it stars Tom Cruise, who usually rises above his material, and it features Morgan Freeman, who always does. For another thing, the next movie you see will probably be better than this one. If, on the other hand, you are a regular movie goer -- be prepared to see things that you've seen before. I recognize the influence of "2001-A Space Odyssey," "Doctor Zhvago," "Independence Day," "Planet of the Apes," and "V" (the original 1983 TV movie). Some of these films were sources of inspiration for the writer/producer/director, others were sources of plagiarization. I'm sure that many of you will recognize other movies you have seen in "Oblivion." I did not see the movie in IMAX, but some viewers may find the enhanced visual effects to be a worthwhile distraction from a very thin plot line.