A visually stunning love letter to sci-fi movies, signed by Joseph Kosinski

Apr 20, 2013 13:41 GMT  ·  By

Director Joseph Kosinski has only two big screen movies under his belt so far but they’re definitely the kind you stop and pay attention to. After the breathtaking “TRON: Legacy,” Kosinski is now treating true sci-fi fans to another splendid film, “Oblivion.”

In a post-apocalyptic universe where men have sought refuge on Titan because alien invaders have destroyed our planet by destroying our Moon, only drones, aliens (“scavangers”) and techs still roam around.

The entire movie functions on contrasts: the antiseptic, minimalistic, beautiful and safe “new world,” and the dusty desolation on Earth, where nothing is as it seems and, sometimes, things hide in plain sight.

“Oblivion” is Kosinski’s love letter to the sci-fi genre, an “excuse” to create and offer fans a world like no other: epic, beautiful and broken. His imagination knows no bounds and, what’s even better, it seems that the budget made available to him didn’t either.

The story might not be the most original out there or flawless, but the film is so visually stunning (backed by an equally stunning score) that it’s a thrill to watch it nonetheless.

Kosinski is a master at manipulating space to awe his viewer. He also knows perfectly which audio aid works best with the images he presents.

What I Liked

Even though I could notice plot holes, I was so curious about what the film would show next about this world that they didn’t bother me. “Oblivion” is a genuine treat for the eyes, a clear example of what a very talented director / writer can do with enough resources.

Tom Cruise remains a solid action man, don’t listen to haters telling you otherwise. Excellent CGI and FX.

What I Didn’t Like

I left the theater feeling certain excitement for having been a part of this amazing journey that is “Oblivion.” At the same time, I also wished Kosinski had paid at least the same amount of attention to the glaring plot holes (I won’t offer a for instance because it’d be a spoiler but, trust me, you’ll notice them when you see them).

Conclusion

Let your imagination run wild with “Oblivion.” Visually, it’s unlike any other recent release and you probably won’t be sorry for giving it a chance. See it in IMAX if you can.

I loved Kosinki’s work on “TRON: Legacy” and, now that I’ve seen “Oblivion,” I can say he has another loyal fan.

The Players

Director: Joseph Kosinski Writers: Joseph Kosinski (screenplay), Karl Gajdusek (screenplay) Stars: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Melissa Leo Rated PG-13