Oblivion
Oblivion is a somewhat leisurely-paced (though never boring) story that asks questions about love, humanity, and how our memories can shape us. The screenplay (which is based on a graphic novel) actually takes the time to ponder these questions, and let them sink in with the audience. The obvious question then naturally becomes, how will the audience respond to this? The studio is promoting the film as a big special effects spectacular starring Tom Cruise. And while it certainly can't be accused of false advertising (Cruise is as likable as ever here, and the special effects and action set pieces are truly first rate), some may be left restless by how dialogue heavy the film can be at times. Will this hurt its chances at the box office? I honestly cannot say. While it has more than its share of starship battles and narrow escapes, it seems to share more in common with Moon (the 2009 indie film starring Sam Rockwell) than with Star Wars.
The plot is set in 2077, and we find that Earth has largely been destroyed and abandoned after a war with a violent alien race some 60 years ago. Despite winning the war, humanity has left Earth behind, and headed for the distant moon of Titan to start a new life. The aliens who invaded still stalk the Earth, however, and so flying robot battle drones patrol the Earth, seeking out and destroying the surviving invaders. Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is one of the few humans left on Earth. His job is to maintain and repair the drones that get shot down by the aliens, and to also watch over massive power stations that are funneling Earth's natural resources, and converting it to energy to be sent to Titan. His partner is Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), who monitors him from the building that serves as their base of operations and their home, and receives orders from Sally (Melissa Leo), who resides on Titan and watches Jack's progress with great interest.
As the film opens, Jack and Victoria's mission is almost over. In two weeks, they will be sent to Titan. Victoria is anxious to head to the new world, but Jack still holds fond memories of Earth. He even has built for himself a refuge with some of his favorite old things from Earth culture in an abandoned old cabin that Victoria does not know about. What's more, Jack is being haunted by dreams that seem more like memories which concern the Empire State Building, and a mysterious woman named Julia (Olga Kurylenko) whom he feels he should know, but doesn't know why. I feel I should tread lightly when it comes to the plot from this point on, as Oblivion is a movie designed to turn itself on its head. It delights in switching around everything you think you know, which can be dangerous in a movie, or come across as a cheap gimmick in the wrong hands. Here, the surprises in the plot work. I was genuinely interested in the reveals. I can't say much more than that, however. I can't even talk about the role Morgan Freeman (who, despite getting second billing, is only in the film for about 15 minutes) plays, less I dive head-first into spoiler territory. 
What I can talk about in more detail is the look of the film. With the help of a healthy budget, director and co-writer Joseph Kosinski (2010's Tron Legacy) has created a very realistic depiction of a destroyed Earth, even putting to good use some famous landmarks, such as Pentagon, the previously mentioned Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. He also flawlessly executes some CG-heavy action scenes, and gives us some interesting set pieces, such as the ruins of a public library that is now buried under the ground. I was intrigued by this world, and was glad to realize that the movie shared in my interest, and allowed for some scenes where the characters explore these settings, rather than simply using them as a backdrop for one shootout after another. I also just liked the design of the technology - the small ship that Jack uses to fly across the scorched earth, the flying robot drones that scout the land, and the home that Jack and Victoria share. There's some very well thought out hi-tech designs here.
But what I think sets Oblivion above being just a fun Sci-Fi thriller is the chemistry between Cruise and Kurylenko. As the film went on, I found myself greatly involved in the relationship that builds, and how they play off one another. Once again, I find myself in a position where I have to tread lightly with my explanations. All I can say is that this chemistry is key to the film's success, since the entire second half of the movie is based around it. If there was no spark, or no reason for us to care about them, the entire movie would have fallen flat on its face. Fortunately, this is not the case. Kurylenko is a Russian actress who's been working in films for a while now, but her performance here with her expressful face is a real stand out. She's not only a natural beauty, but her performance gives much of the film its heart.
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