(Editor note: This was going to be longer... but then my night went all sideways.)
There's something familiar about "Oblivion." While this is definitely a well made, and visually stunning sci-fi flick, I couldn't help but having something close to deja vu while watching it. Maybe it was the lead, Tom Cruise, who is playing the same basic good-looking-super-confident-devilish-good-guy that he's been playing for three decades. Maybe it's the basic plot, that is *very* familiar to another sci-fi film from a couple years ago. (If I say what, I'll spoil the "twist'.) Maybe it's the fact that Morgan Freeman shows up to be the wily, wise, old man to give our hero some advice. Maybe it's the scenes of a devastated New York that I couldn't wait to navigate with my Pip-Boy.
Despite the ever present deja vu, I found myself enjoying "Oblivion." While the acting wasn't award worthy, the actors did a solid job at portraying their trope-ridden characters well enough for me to feel at least partially emotionally attached. While the plot was re-used, I was still drawn into see exactly how it would all play out. On top of it, you have some really top notch special effects, and one really good high speed dogfight.
The chief problem (at least the one that I think many movie goers will have) is how long it takes to get to those good moments. The story builds up SLOW, taking time to introduce you to the world, and letting the magnificent visuals chance to really breath. While I was fine with it, watching on a crystal clear IMAX screen, many may find themselves checking their watches, or day dreaming. During those moments, you may miss a plot point or two (and there are a LOT of little plot points.) Thankfully, by the time the film comes to an end, they reveal all the secrets, and give the audience a nice little wrap up of all the loose ends.
Parents, unless your kid is some wonderfully patient tike who is Ok with long moments of boredom, followed by really loud and intense action, please do all of us a favor and wait for Blu Ray I know, you want to get out, but this film will just be torture for everyone involved.
On a special note, I would like to thank the makers of Oblivion for *NOT* making this movie in 3D. On it's face value, this film looks like it should have been the big 3D event of the month. But really, the colors, and the imagery, are so crisp, and so wonderful, to have them covered in fuzzy, dim 3D would have been a real crime. (then again, I could see them re-release this one in 3D before Summer is out.)
So, if you're looking for a pretty, and entertaining, if a bit slow, start to your big movie weekend, check out Oblivion. Just make sure you grab cup of coffee on your way to the theater.
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