Surprised not to see a thread for this yet.  Being a big budget tentpole type of film, I'm going to skip all the backstory and jump right in.

This is a gorgeous film, visually.  Simply stunning, actually.  Filmed mostly in Iceland, the look of a devastated Earth is incredible.

It may be slow early on, but it's a nice pace that works, based on the beauty of the visuals, as well as a very nicely drawn and acted relationship between Jack (Tom Cruise) and Victoria (a very sexy and cute Andrea Riseborough).  The scenes involving them both are very well done, IMO and the two's chemistry is palatable.

I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, so I'll be careful what I say and how I say it.  The movie is not what the original trailers make it out to be.  There's both more and less going on, but it's important to note that many of the early scenes have an odd feel to them, that's there on purpose.

As things move along, we begin to develop a plot and story and this is most likely where some will buy in and others will say Bullshit.  In no way am I or did I buy into everything, but the film looked so good, the FX work was so amazing, and even the acting was solid, that I was able to loo through the flaws and weaker elements, and walk away with positive feelings all the way around.

Although Morgan Freeman has 2nd billing here and is prominent in the trailers, his role is actually very small and very throw away.  I wonder if the role was ramped up as much as it could be, once Freeman signed on.  With a lesser actor and lesser presence, I wonder if we'd have a completely different ending, even.

And then, the beautiful Olga Kurylenko enters the fray and the story we thought we had is changed drastically.  I've always liked Olga and she doesn't disappoint here, but compared to Riseborough, she isn't as memorable, to me, at least.

There are some great twists and turns here and if you want to call cliche or seen it before, go right ahead.  It's a big $120 Million production, which means to me at least, that certain things will be prevalent, and some of those will feel like cliches.

For me, the biggest issue is what happens when you think about the plot and story afterward.  Does it really make sense?  Does it make sense at all?  Why does post apocalyptic NY look like Iceland (other than because it was filmed in Iceland)?  Many such questions and thoughts, but again, I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.

I will say this in parting - the end is one of those make or break moments that some will like, some will love, and others will roll their eyes.  I started rolling mine, but before the credits started rolling, I had a big old smile on my face and actually appreciate the ending.

I think Oblivion has gotten a raw deal from many critics.  Most of the negativity seems to state that the movie isn't all that much of anything other than a beautiful, generic Scifi film starring Tom Cruise.  I disagree, first of all, but if that is the worst critique one can throw out, I'd say that's not too bad.  It's a well put together movie that rocks when it wants to, makes you think and wonder when it wants to, and pretty much delivers exactly what it wants to.

For my money, it definitely does deliver and it left me with many striking visual memories, some of which were of the human kind and that's always hard to achieve.

I fast forwarded a few parts and rolled my eyes at the ending.  But other than that,  it wasn't too shabby.  If you liked this movie, then you'll probably like "The Host".   A much better film, IMO.

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-movie/m-1365435638/s-new/

How can you fast forward in a movie theater?

The Host is definitely not for me - way too teeny bopper for this old man.

Oblivion is far from teeny bopper, IMO.

Quoted from Dreamscale How can you fast forward in a movie theater?

Oh, man - I totally did not think of that.

Please don't tell me our resident pious moral compass is pirating movies!!!

Surely the apocalypse is upon us....

Quoted from Dreamscale How can you fast forward in a movie theater?

You go up and tell the projectionist to speed it along.

or just watch the movie at  http://www.movie2k.to/

The Host definitely isn't teeny bopper, IMO.  

Funny bert.  Funny.    I'm a christian, but far from perfect.  Romans 3:23   ;)  Obviously.

Quoted from M.Alexander You go up and tell the projectionist to speed it along. or just watch the movie at  http://www.movie2k.to/ The Host definitely isn't teeny bopper, IMO.

I don't know what this is and have no interest in it, especially if it is in any way, shape, or a form of pirating theatrical release movies.

NOT COOL at all!!!!!

Quoted from Dreamscale I don't know what this is and have no interest in it, especially if it is in any way, shape, or a form of pirating theatrical release movies. NOT COOL at all!!!!!

Then I guess you're the new moral compass around here.   Have fun.  

I don't know about me being a moral compass, but it really does piss me off when peeps rip other peeps off.

I'm talking about pirating - movies, music, and video games.

Complete and utter BS, if you ask me.  Lots of money and effort is put into the big 3 and when peeps simply watch, listen, and play without paying, they're ripping off everyone involved with the product.

How do these sites not get busted immediately?  Seriously...why doesn't someone jump in and prosecute all involved, inclduing those that are stealing by watching, playing, and listening?

Very sore subject for me.

Has there already been a thread on this subject, because if not it'd make for an interesrting conversation.  I for one have no problem with watching movies on that site, but then again, I've never really considered the fact that I might very well be an accompiice to a crime.  I suppose I justify it by thinking I'm giving the finger to theaters for charging so much for popcorn and whatnot.  And that's not right either, but still...

How's bert feel about the subject?  That's what I wanna know.   He's very rational-minded.

Quoted from M.Alexander How's bert feel about the subject?  He's very rational-minded.

You mean, as opposed to Dreamscale  :)

In answer to your first question, yes, the topic is discussed here, with just about everyone weighing in on the issue:

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Chat/m-1323358781/s-0/

In answer to your second question, I do not do it -- but more for selfish reasons than moral ones -- as I worry about viruses and seldom download anything from unfamilar sites.

I do not have strong opinions on the matter -- the world has much bigger problems -- but generally consider it to be wrong.

One can say all they want about the cost of going to the movies is too high, including refreshments, snacks, and whatever.

But, I'll tell you what - it doesn't have to be.

I see my movies during the day, at matinee prices, which is $5.00 for a normal movie, and $9.00 for IMAX (which is what i saw Oblivion in), and $8 for 3D.  3D IMAX is $10.00.

When I go, I bring a can of soda with me in my pocket and I don't buy anything there.

People get this idea that they have to spend ridiculous amounts of money on popcorn and sodas while seeing a movie, but I say, no way.  Same thing if you're taking a date or spouse - look at it based on what it costs each person. There's a cost for entertainment.

Pirating is killing so much.  It really is.  Many recording artists are and have been suffering because of it.  Sure, many are insanely wealthy and unjustly wealthy, but others no longer have that cool factor or never did - they rely on record sales, concert touring sales, and merchandise sales. When you rip their CD's for free, they don't see a penny, and that to me is bullshit.

I never have and never will rip artists off by downloading their music, movies, or games fro free.  It ain't right, and I for one will stand up to anyone who feels differently.

Plenty of people in the industry use these sites on the sly. If it's good for the goose...

On a happier note, I agree with your review on the film, Jeff. It's enjoyable and anything with Tom Cruise will involve top talent throughout.

What a friggin' kickass flick! Totally flawed in lots of ways, but all its issues are totally forgiveable for the sheer enjoyment of seeing a genuinely ambitious, viewer-engaging, legitimate soft sci-fi flick. Tom Cruise continues to be one of the best things in Hollywood.

I'm all for pirating movies but this is one for IMAX for sure. Don't miss the chance to see it on the biggest screen possible!

By the way, lucky you, Jeff! IMAX for me is $19, no matinee prices :(

Haven't caught this yet.
Either in a theater or some charcoal area of the internet. :P

But I wanted to quiz those that have about the soundtrack.
I'm a big M83 fan. How's the sounds go with those Icelandic landscapes, guys?

Regards,
E.D.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Finders Keepers is of course not even in the same league as these Hollywood films,... Even so, after just two days of release, the film was available online for free at a minimum of 28 different sites...  :-/

In[expletive]credible.

I'm so sorry, even though this is the not-so-new norm, it still sucks monster big time.  :'(

  :( @ssholes.


Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get that it's fun stickin' it to the man at the theater/studio.
But with indie films the profit&loss margins are already so thin that this social norm about makes it impossible to carry on a functional indie film production or distribution business model.
And these d!cks don't care.
Plenty of content available. "F#ck'em, LOL" is the attitude.

Just how miniscule does a film have to be to be off the pirate radar?

It's so disincentivizing.

:( mutherf#ckers.

Brett, the soundtrack is good.

To me, there was something that rang familiar throughout, but I definitely did enjoy it.

I'll tell you what though, as the credits roll, there is an incredible song, sung by a female and it has all the trappings of the kind of music I love - very grandiose with an Eastern European metal feel.

There's a soundtrack moment early on that's right outta Dark Knight, I think...

There are a couple cues that are frickin' awesome. Two near the start, with the swimming pool...first when she jumps in, then, when it cuts to that massive wide with them underwater. Two absolutely great cinematic moments. I think you'll definitely be pleased, Brett.

And yeah, that credits song was good, too.

The swimming pool totally rocks.  And, more importantly, the scene with Vicka and Jack in the swimming pool is so well done on all levels.  The visuals are splendid, but for me, even more important, Cruise and Riseborough really pull this off with chemistry that sold me immediately.

Quoted from Dreamscale How do these sites not get busted immediately?  Seriously...why doesn't someone jump in and prosecute all involved, inclduing those that are stealing by watching, playing, and listening? Very sore subject for me.

These sites are located in countries where pirating is either legal or just so low on law enforcement's list that the authorities don't care.  Kim Dotcom--douchebag--is a billionaire because of this.

Of course, he wouldn't be so rich if other douchebags didn't watch the films on his site (or other similar sites).


Phil

Quoted from Grandma Bear Finders Keepers is of course not even in the same league as these Hollywood films, but the reason that no one involved with the film was given a DVD was because the distributor didn't want anyone to have hard copies and upload the film somewhere. Even so, after just two days of release, the film was available online for free at a minimum of 28 different sites...  :-/

Pia, sorry to hear that!  I actually went through a short amount of time of downloading films from sites like that - until Phil pointed out the hypocrisy of my actions.  (Especially since I'm primarily Libertarian.)  All of this just hurts the artists and low budget productions even more.  Because if the studios have to factor in a certain amount of lost-litre for films due to piracy, why would they *ever* take a chance on anything indie, with those already slim profit margins?

Quoted from Dreamscale I'll tell you what though, as the credits roll, there is an incredible song, sung by a female and it has all the trappings of the kind of music I love - very grandiose with an Eastern European metal feel.

Think this is it...



Most of the soundtrack can be listened to on youtube, btw I don't think that's illegal because it's streaming and you can't download it to keep. I listen to all kinds of film scores on there.

As far as downloading indie films, I really feel for them. The studios make their money on big films regardless. I paid my $4.99 for Finders Keepers. :-), but theres a guy at my plant that sells bootlegs. I've been guilty, but sometimes I get what I deserve when its a tripod set-up in a theater and it's completely unwatchable so I don't get them anymore.

I won't download anything online. I remember one woman getting crucified by the music industry for twenty or so songs. They made an example of her and won a case against her for unheard of amounts of money. A couple million, I think. She'll never be able to pay it and the studios know. They just wanted that headline. I was morally adjusted out of fear after that...

James

Nice, James.  That's it for sure.

Also on the soundtrack is Ramble On by Zeppelin and Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum.

Quoted from M.Alexander I for one have no problem with watching movies on that site, but then again, I've never really considered the fact that I might very well be an accompiice to a crime.  I suppose I justify it by thinking I'm giving the finger to theaters for charging so much for popcorn and whatnot.  And that's not right either, but still...

Theaters charge so much for popcorn and whatnot because that's where they make their money.  The studios get most (if not all) of the ticket sales.


Phil

Quoted from jwent6688 Most of the soundtrack can be listened to on youtube, btw I don't think that's illegal because it's streaming and you can't download it to keep.

Youtube is respectful of the owners of the videos.  I've asked that things be taken down because of copyright infringement.


Phil

Listen to the whole soundtrack on Spotify. Free, legal and much easier than YouTube.

Seeing as there's a firm groundswell of support for this movie, it begs the question:

TRON or Oblivion?

Close, but I think TRON just edges it for the whole 'experience' - both film demo that this director is, IMO, a litte special.

Maybe it's because I knew this was a box office failure and had low expectations, but I thought this was a decent movie in the classic tradition of sci fi.

I haven't read any critics reviews, but I will guess a common gripe will be lack of character development. But to that I would bring up two points. First, sci fi's with outstanding character development are the exception, not the rule.

And second, I think the character building here is more than sufficient to match the concept. The idea is that the protagonist has had his memory wiped, so he's living a false life. He suspects something's wrong, but with only a few flashes of his old memory, he has little clue. This limits his character...appropriately.

In standard form, the hero has to change to become who he needs to be. But in this story it's a matter of discovering who he really is. That's kind of refreshing actually, though done before, for example Blade Runner.

It's not the kind of story you'll watch more than once. But it has all the elements you'd hope for in an action sci fi: mystery, intriguing world building, courage, sacrifice, a spirit of exploration, team work and camaraderie.

Why did it fail at the box? There's not much in it to appeal to movie critics. And I would guess that everyone is sick of Tom Cruise, who does a couple of blockbusters a year and is always in the news with his weird personal life. Cruise actually does a good job with the film, I think people are just burnt out on him.

Classic sci fi offers us visions which really stir the imagination. This doesn't quite do that, and it's increasingly hard to do that anyway. But it does create a solid, reasonably believable sci fi adventure, and that's a lot.

Oh, and how does it compare to Prometheus? Hmm. Prometheus is an absolute mess of a plot. Oblivion is a much tighter story. Prometheus did succeed in one thing: creating curiosity about the next chapter. There will be no next chapter in Oblivion.

Jeff, the landscape around New York has changed because the moon was partly destroyed, causing continental shifts and such. I think.

And because it looked cool!

Yeah, I think we are in a agreement on the film

I missed the film in theatrers but caught up to it on Vudu . I was expecting drivel due to some things I have heard, and I got a little surprise. It actually wasn't half bad. And, Jeff, you are spot on the pool was friggin awesome.


====SPOLIER ALERT=====

I was a bit iffy on the main thing - a bit 'Moon' like, but there was added elements which made it interesting. Did I hear them right...? Millions of Tom Cruises wiping out over half of humanity  ;D then scattered around the earth to repair "dones" that finish the job (and wipe out any clone that "malfuction"?  ;D

I was kind of digging it- although I was wondering why the clones didn't run into each other before (my best guess is that they were "forbidden" to go to "quarantine areas" (where another set of clones might be).