OBLIVION ("BOREDOM ON SCREEN")

April 12, 2013

Cast: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough.

Director: Joseph Kosinski.

With Oblivion being Tom Cruise’s only release for 2013 all the fans who geared up for an action adventure would get not quite the same.

Set in 2077, Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is a drone repairman on the war destroyed earth. He is stationed in a tower along with Victoria (Andrea Riseborough) and does a daily patrol of the area under his jurisdiction. When they are almost ready to get back to home base an explosion nearby leads to the discovery of Julia (Olga Kurylenko) who has been sleeping(scientifically induced) for 60 years. Harper starts realising all is not well and what appears to be the truth is far from it rather.

We know from Tron Legacy that Kosinski has an eye for the visuals and an ear for quality BGM and it’s no different here. You are treated to some wonderful landscape and graphically created buildings and machines. Though the BGM would surely remind you of the great Hans Zimmer the corresponding scenes lack the intent, grace and feel to do any justice to the great piece of music. 

The plot is too straightforward and trite and along with a dull, dragging screenplay you would most likely be left twitching and stretching in your seats.The supposed inner turmoil that Harper is going through is lazily written and directed which makes the whole experience a boring affair. The action scenes come in at times but they do not really offer any adrenaline rush.

Coming to performances Tom Cruise has done what he always does; full justice to the role! But it’s sad that he was wasted because of a lacklustre script. Morgan Freeman must be in need of some money I guess as nothing else explains him taking up this role having around 10 minutes of screen space with no substance at all!!

Oblivion is a cruelty to the fans who waited for a long time to see Tom Cruise in action.

Iam giving a 2/5 for Oblivion. It’s better to stay home watching an old Tom Cruise movie on TV.

IMDB Rating

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2 to 2.25                      -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

3 to 3.25                      -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4 to 4.25                      -           Great.

4.5 and above               -           Extraordinary.