The year is 2077. War with an alien race known as the Scavengers has decimated our world. Humanity eventually won the war, but has been forced to find a new home on Saturn's moon, Titan. In order to sustain what remains of humanity, a series of automated drones and hydro collectors have been deployed all over Earth to convert the remaining resources into a new form of energy. Jack Harper (Tom Cruise –Mission Impossible) and Victoria Olsen (Andrea Riseborough- Being Human) have been left behind to monitor and maintain the technology against the ongoing threats from the remaining Scavs. When a mysterious beacon causes an old NASA space ship to crash on Earth, Jack finds that everything he thought that he knew about the war will never be the same.

The cast alone makes this movie impressive to say the least. Tom Cruise fits comfortably into the role of Jack, who is supposedly the last man on Earth. Jack and Victoria were required to undergo mandatory memory wipes prior to their mission, and watching Jack regain bits and pieces of his memory as he explores a devastated Earth is one of the highlights of the film. Andrea Riseborough portrays a very interesting companion for Jack, showing emotion only when necessary, and keeping a very by the book approach to their relationship. Things get complicated when Julia Rusakova (Olga Kurylenko – Quantum of Solace) arrives on the scene, providing some new information to Jack (and the audience) about his true past. Jack has his work cut out for him as he is attacked by Scavs, led by Malcolm Beech (Morgan Freeman – Wanted). Freeman doesn't have a huge role in the film, but definitely possesses a menacing confidence that adds a level of intrigue to the character. Beech is joined by a rebel named Sykes (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Game of Thrones), who provides some great action moments in the film. Game of Thrones fans- I do have to admit that I kept thinking how great it was that Jamie Lannister survived the apocalypse.

To say this movie is epic would be an understatement. The film is a visual masterpiece, the visuals of our decimated world beautifully horrific to say the least. Oblivion shows what could happen in the future, when humanity is gone and mother nature has reclaimed our cities. While I am sure that the movie would look good at a regular screening, I would highly recommend paying the extra money for the IMAX experience. For those of you who are not into seeing 3-D movies…fear not! This film is just standard IMAX, which is another fact that allowed me to enjoy it that much more. This choice allowed the filmmakers to create beautiful landscapes and seamless CGI environments without making it feel simulated and cliche.

Overall:

After enjoying the press screening of Oblivion, I can easily see why Universal was so quick to grab the rights to this film. This is a story that most certainly has not been done before. While the film does have some minor pacing issues, it succeeds at taking the audience on a journey of discovery in a world that is eerily familiar. I honestly cannot wait to see this movie again this weekend. Do yourself a favor and go see Oblivion.

ComicsOnline gives Oblivion 5 out of 5 shattered moons.

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