Critics Consensus: Oblivion Looks Great, But Its Story Meanders

i agree with u on that, i just loved oblivion which goes very well with it's great score, i should say critics should stop taking into consideration new plots in sci fi flicks simply because it's never gonna be a breakthrough simply because we have too many sci fi flicks that relate in our heads leading us to always be critical of sci fi, i personally take oblivion as a throwback to the greatest sci fi movies in cinema

Apr 20 - 08:32 AM

Stephen Ayres

Bullshit. Primer, Time Crimes, Moon, District 9, all of these recent films did something new and original within established Sci-Fi memes.

Apr 20 - 09:39 PM

Jacklord Alan Keen

i agree with you franc sandoval..

Apr 20 - 11:42 PM

HedRat .

I don't get the hate on this movie. I almost didn't go see it because of the low score here, but the critics are wrong. I don't like Tom Cruise, nonetheless, it's a really good sci-fi blockbuster. And for the story? Are you considering going to see the next Star Trek film? The story was WAY better than the last ST film. Better than the director's last film and better than most Tom Cruise films (including Minority Report). It's not a deep sci-fi like some, and it doesn't reach 'great', but having it as 'Rotten' here is just wrong.

Apr 22 - 05:21 AM

I think I might catch a matinee for "Oblivion". "Visually striking and narratively thin"? Sounds like Kosinski is setting a standard for himself.

Ricky Jay finally has a documentary! And I like Levon Helm just fine, but I'd rather see a doc dedicated to the entire Band (especially my favorite members - Rick Danko and Richard Manuel). Another sexy thriller from Ozon, and with a new one just announced for Cannes. "Herman's House" sounds very intriguing. "Lords of Salem"...does not.

Apr 18 - 05:06 PM

Sean D

I will probably see Lords of Salem because I love Rob Zombie when he is on his game. House of 1000 Corpses was an interesting debut and Devil's Rejects is definitely his best.
As for Oblivion, it looks like a live action Wall-E with some shooting and Morgan Freeman.

Apr 18 - 06:36 PM

But think about how "Wall-E" could have used more bullets and Morgan Freeman. I'm not expecting much as it is. But same goes for Zombie. "Devil's Rejects" was fun, but the rest of his movies are just miserable. I think "Stoker" came to town anyway.

Apr 18 - 07:25 PM

Sean D

lol Morgan Freeman in Wall-E would have been awesome.
And as for the Levon Helm film, I would love to see it. He used to do what he called "Midnight Rambles" at his house one random nights. He had a band that would play and I think he would play drums usually. Towards the end of his life he didn't sing much. A friend of mine was fortunate enough to see one of these occasions and said it was like no other concert he had seen before.
Danko and Manuel are the bomb-diggity too.

Apr 19 - 01:46 PM

If this film doesn't perform well at the box office than I guess Cruise can add this one to his current string of mediocrity! I mean, wasn't Cruises last positive film was "Ghost Protocol" and how long ago was that!

Apr 18 - 05:15 PM

Big Brother

It was actually only 2 years ago and he also had Jack Reacher which was positive, so really if Oblivion gets one more percentage point on the T-Meter that'll mean 3 of his last four movies were successes and Ghost Protocal was a bonafide him less than 2 years ago. Little premature on the death of Tom Cruises career there Dave J.

Apr 18 - 10:58 PM

Big Brother

Bonafide HIT of course was what I meant to say.

Apr 18 - 10:58 PM

Well, I was referring about his box office potential than how well his films were getting at the meter scale since they can't dictate how well his movies are performing nor anyone else's for that matter- probably except the Oscars! And as I recall, "Jack Reacher" made profits but not substantially enough to warrant him for a sequel! My point was that if "Oblivion" doesn't perform well at the box office despite what the reviews say than he can add this one to his current list of films that didn't exceed to box office expectations- that was it!

Apr 19 - 12:35 PM

Franc Sandoval

It turns out Oblivion has already done amazingly well in the rest of the world, so I would hardly call this anything other than a huge box office HIT. Unless we only call a movie a hit if it does well in the US.

Apr 19 - 01:54 PM

We'll see, because although "Jack Reacher" made 136 million around the world- the 80 million it made in North America still couldn't garner him for another sequel as initially planned!

Apr 19 - 03:32 PM

Jack Reacher made 80 mil at the Box Office. Over the last 10 years Cruise has still been as reliable as a movie star as anyone outside of probably Denzel Washington or Liam Neeson. The problem is the age of the "movie star" has been on the wane for a while now. Movie's have been going other route's to generate income i.e. franchises, 3D and established audiences from other forms of media. I think it can be argued that Directors now have more appeal than actors. I know I'm more excited when I see Spielberg or Nolan's name on something than I am when I see Neeson or Harrison Fords.

Apr 19 - 03:35 PM

Just saying, you seem to be holding Cruise to a ridiculously high standard for some reason. In the last 10 years Cruise has had 3 films over 200 mil and 10 more over 100 mil, that's hard to call a weak BO performance.

Apr 19 - 03:36 PM

Look, in terms of starring roles (not like 5 minute ones) Cruise's asking price which is something like 20 or 25 million does not reflect what he used to bring in when he was younger! In the last 10 years, 5 of the movies he's starred in couldn't even pass the 100 million dollar mark- these include "Lions for Lambs" making 15 million, "Valkyrie" making 83 million, "Knight & Day" making 76, "Jack Reacher" making 80 and "Rock Of Ages" making 38! One can't dispute these numbers!

And if you liked his acting presence so much then perhaps you should start taking your wallet out and start watching them because his films are not getting any better- unless he does another MI movie!

Apr 19 - 03:59 PM

King Simba

You seem to really have something against Tom Cruise. Domestically, excluding Lions for Lambs and Rock of Ages (both of which were outside the genres he's known for) all of his films from the past decade have crossed at least the 75 mil mark domestically, which is what Denzel Washington's films make on average and he also typically demands 20 mil salaries. On top of that, unlike Washington, Tom Cruise is a huge draw overseas, and as long as he's in an action or science fiction film he pretty much guaruntees that your film will gross at least 200 mil worldwide. there are other markets outside the domestic market that matter too you know. Oblivion made 60 mil overseas this past weekend alone. Even if it dissapoints domestically it'll still end up a success.

And the fact that non of his recent non-Mission Impossible films have earned overwhelmingly positive reviews is further proof how big of a name he is, because because that's basically all the films had to rely on. And Jack Reacher may still be getting a sequel by the way. And even if it doesn't it's still a success, just not one big enough to kickstart a franchise.

So yeah, just because Tom Cruise doesn't bring in as big of an audience as he used to doesn't mean he still isn't one of the biggest draws around. The fact that he's been a box office draw for so long while others like Gibson and Stallone have fadded away is really impressive.

Apr 20 - 12:16 AM

That's a bingo Simba.

Apr 20 - 07:17 PM

I don't have anything against Tom Cruise but some of his films as of late are not as appealing in comparison to say Denzil Washington's!

Apr 22 - 12:13 PM

Brian Pyzynski

*then

Apr 20 - 07:47 PM

Typhon Q

Oblivion = Wall-E with Tom Cruise

Apr 18 - 05:31 PM

Jo Maps

Quite not.
Only the first 15 minutes of both films would be comparable (Cruise and Wall-e wandering on an empty Earth), but that's about it.
Loved Wall-E, Oblivion is just all right... It's a movie made for Cruise addicts. The guy is a decent actor dont get me wrong, but it's ALL about him in the movie, his character is even mentioned as "the best of us all" at one point, and you can't help wondering if this is aimed at the character or at To himself...
Oblivion is a so-so sci-fi movie, certainly not ground-breaking, but a good time at the movies nonetheless

Apr 19 - 04:58 AM

i would say oblivion is a good sci fi film rather than a so so simply for that fact that it's visuals and characters are very likable and critics are being too critical when comes to plot in an age that has new ideas run out of steam in every genre except for very few films.

Apr 20 - 08:38 AM

Cade Russell-Muscle

Oblivion= Moon+ Wall-E

Apr 20 - 06:16 AM

Oblivion = Slipstream + Arsenic and Lace

Apr 23 - 06:04 AM

Jacklord Alan Keen

Saw Oblivion. It was great for me.

Apr 18 - 05:40 PM

Andrew Brinkerhoff

Can't say I'm surprised about Oblivion's rating, but still kind of bummed (hope "Iron Man 3" and "Star Trek 2" live up to the hype). I'm probably seeing it with my Mom tomorrow anyways, so at least I'll enjoy the visuals.

Apr 18 - 05:46 PM

Andrew Brinkerhoff

Saw it this afternoon: the critics are right on the visuals, they look AWESOME. The film itself isn't anything special beyond that; interesting concept/twist, but more character development would have helped. Entertaining but not a bulls-eye.

Apr 19 - 04:26 PM

Jon Cox

totally gonna see 'Oblivion'
I haven't been to the movies since last weekend

Apr 18 - 09:04 PM

David Tanny

I'm gonna try to see Lords of Salem. I find Rob Zombie a hit or miss filmmaker, but when he hits, it's great(Devil's Rejects). I'm a fan of Argento, and understanding Zombie is emulating his style here, could make for good viewing.

Apr 18 - 09:41 PM

King Crunk

From the reviews, Oblivion sounds a lot like Kosinski's previoius effort, Tron: Legacy; visually marvelous, thematically and emotionally empty. I will wait for DVD.

Apr 18 - 10:51 PM

Franc Sandoval

Oblivion is a thousand times better than Tron: Legacy. Believe me.

Apr 19 - 01:56 PM

my words are the same as franc, milesssssssss better by far

Apr 20 - 08:39 AM

Ben Wagner

I just saw Oblivion. I was kinda worried walking in when I saw the meter, but I walked out loving it. I don't know what all the critics are talking about. I guess I was enjoying the movie too much to notice, which is all I ask in a movie. It had ambition and the execution was flawless.

Apr 18 - 11:12 PM

Matt Ritchey

What's "Oblivion"?

Apr 18 - 11:23 PM

A suburb of Cleveland.

Apr 23 - 06:07 AM

Larry Green

Saw Oblivion in Germany last week, and nearly dozed off. I agree wholeheartedly with the consensus - pretty, but derivative.

Apr 19 - 12:01 AM

Stepping Razor

Almost everything about Oblivion seems so bland and empty, including the score. I listened to the score and it sounds so derivative and generic, so I guess it fits the movie.

Apr 19 - 08:02 AM

what the heck are u talking about man!!!!!!!

Apr 20 - 08:40 AM

Chris Cox

i'm surprised to see Oblivion so low on the story department seeing as Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3) worked on the script. Goes to show you even if you are a great screenwriter the final say is the directors and if he/she has no clue about storytelling you're screwed.

Apr 19 - 10:39 AM

Ruh roh, Star Wars VII.

Apr 23 - 06:08 AM

HA!

Apr 23 - 02:36 PM

Bradly Martin

Oblivion looks like an action movie that claims to be a sci-fi but has nothing scientific about it. You know like Transformers or a Halo Movie.

You guy's gotta explain to me the Rob Zombie appeal. It just reminds me to much of high School. Like when a rich white kid from the suburbs says things like "I will END you!". None of his characters seem to breach this silly stereotype for me, especially his wife. I swear I didn't know that was his wife until long after I found her performances laughable.

I wish In the House was playing near me. I miss Thrillers.

Apr 19 - 01:48 PM

Chris Cox

science fiction:

Science fiction is a genre of fiction with imaginative but more or less plausible content such as settings in the future, futuristic science and technology, space travel, parallel universes, aliens, and paranormal abilities.

Oblivion IS sci-fi.

Apr 19 - 03:28 PM

Bradly Martin

imaginative but plausible and Tom Cruise is in it? Iunno man, that doesn't sound imaginative or plausible.

Apr 19 - 05:22 PM

i believe from your comment that u like to support the critics only trying to lead others to believe that u're right, u're not , not one bit right about what u said the movie not to mention the science fiction definition

Apr 20 - 08:42 AM

Rob Cuthbert

I'm not a fan of Cruise at all, but he was fine in this. If you don't see this only because Cruise is in it, then your loss. Its a great film.

Apr 20 - 07:47 PM

Bradly Martin

I really liked MI-4 and I have liked a lot of Cruise films. I just don't like the premise of Oblivion. I have always hated the "Alien's have far superior and advanced technology unlike the world has ever seen but they have yet to come across someone who can RUN LIKE TOM CRUISE!" So you know, don't stand a chance and who would against a running Tom Cruise? Meh.

Apr 20 - 08:16 PM

Minority Report?

Apr 20 - 10:53 PM

Chris Cox

Ram....shut up

Apr 20 - 02:02 PM

Al Garaiko

I have to say this time critics were totally wrong and I am SO glad I didn't pay attention to them - I have anjoyed every minute of Oblivion. Amazing movie! The story kept me interested all the time. Such a visual beauty is very unusual these days. The music was WOW. And on and on and on. Not only I will get it on DVD in the future but I also plan on going back to the movies to see it again - this time in a huge screen!!!

Apr 19 - 03:21 PM

According to RT- the general consensus said that although the film is entertaining enough- majority of the critics had seen better since the plot device had already been done before!

Apr 19 - 04:16 PM

Mr dave, critics are always critical when they connect their thoughts to other movies they've seen, it's an age that doesn't have new ideas because there simply cannot be, u can work around it just like mr kosinski did with

Apr 20 - 08:48 AM

After thousands of years of human creativity, suddenly we live in an "age" where new ideas simply cannot be? Now that creative tools are at their finest and most easily accessible? I'm glad you liked the movie, but don't throw the kids out with the bathwater.

Apr 20 - 01:16 PM

I get what you're saying, but we've been telling the same stories for thousands of years. The key is to keep coming up with new and interesting ways to tell them.

Apr 20 - 07:19 PM