'Oblivion'
is a science fiction film based on an unpublished graphic novel of the same
name by writer-director Joseph Kosinski. Drone mechanic Jack Harper has been
assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources (after its surface has been
devastated following an alien invasion 60 years earlier). In the process, Jack
discovers a crashed spacecraft, wherein he discovers a female stranger trapped
inside a space-coffin. Post this incident, he begins questioning everything
that he knows about the invasion and its repercussions.
The
title, 'Oblivion', means 'state of being forgotten'. And yes, the movie is
quite forgettable. Too many sci-fi films have been made on the 'dystopian'
theme, so even the concept isn't novel. The lone good thing about the film was
the background score. The half-baked climax added insult to injury. The
120-million-dollar-worth project is a criminal waste of resources.
According
to the film's premise, planet Earth was invaded by the aliens in 2017, which
left its surface nearly destroyed. 60 years later, former Marine commander Jack
Harper (Tom Cruise) is one of the last few mechanics stationed on the planet.
Jack repairs the drones, which patrol the skies and protect the planet from
warring aliens.
He
and his colleague Victoria Olsen (Andrea Riseborough) are a part of the
operation to clean up the remaining forces of the invasion and extract the
planet's remaining resources. Almost reaching the culmination of the mission,
Jack rescues a female stranger, Julia Rusakova (Olga Kurylenko), from a space-coffin
inside a crashed spaceship. Following this incident, he comes in contact with
the mysterious Malcolm Beech (Morgan Freeman) and is forced to question
everything that he knows about the alien invasion.
The
film takes too long to establish its plot and premise. Most sci-films made in
2012 focused on the 'dystopian'/post-end-of-the-world theme and a majority of
them were major disappointments. While this film makes a hash of the subject
with its long-drawn and inconsequential screenplay, most makers should question
the feasibility of the concept as well. The '2050/2060/2100 etc.' films do not
intrigue the audiences anymore. So, no matter what the star-cast, budget, story
or maker, there are more chances that the film will carry a strong
'been-there-seen-that' undertone.
In
'Oblivion', the plot moves on sluggishly for the first 90 minutes, until the
makers realize that they have to give the 120-million-dollars spending some
sort of justification. The writers have tried to incorporate several twists in
the climax, but the damage is done and the sudden developments purely add to
the viewer's chagrin. Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman are completely wasted in
the film. The background score by Anthony Gonzalez and Joseph Trapanese is quite
nice, but that's about it.
The
title says it all!
Shivom Oza
Oblivion is good onetime movie, but was really expecting more from it. I would say watch it only for its visual effects and Tom Cruise. Story is very typical, infact felt it had some Indian touch in it. Like Indian version of Rocky or Behind enemy lines :P atleast concept was same. Although it would look great in theater, i felt spending Rs 320 at Fame for it wasnt really worth. Watch it on DVD when it comes, or rent it from video parlor. Dont want to buy DVD too for it.
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