Iffy for 13+
Stylized sci-fi entertains; expect deaths, sexy stuff.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Oblivion is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller that deals with the survival of humanity and a mysterious, violent alien threat. There are drones that kill instantly and turn their victims into ashes; several people die, including a few major characters. The language is pretty tame except for an occasional "s--t" and "damn" -- and one particularly memorable "f--k you." Sexuality includes a few passionate kisses and one seduction scene in which a woman is shown naked from the back. Oblivion is likely to appeal most to families with older teens who are either Tom Cruise fans or partial to futuristic action flicks.
- Families can talk about the popularity of post-apocalyptic stories. How does Oblivion compare to other alien movies like The Host or Prometheus?
- How does the violence in the movie compare to other sci-fi/action movies you've seen? Does the fact that some of the combatants are aliens give it any more/less impact?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Somewhat grim circumstances, but the movie highlights the way that humans manage to survive under the most difficult circumstances. Challenges people to listen to their instincts, to question following instructions and commands blindly, and to pay attention to their dreams. Also promotes the idea of taking care of the resources that we have -- and to not take them for granted.
-
Role models: Jack is curious and questions the motives of mission control. He's willing to think beyond authoritative directives and do what's best for humanity, even though it's against his orders. He's willing to save someone even after he discovers that she's not who he thought she was. Victoria is dedicated to her work, but she's unwilling to second guess any of her instructions, and she allows jealousy to cloud her instincts. Julia is patient and courageous. Beech is self sacrificing.
What to watch for
-
Violence: The drones kill -- instantly incinerating anyone or anything they're programmed to terminate. Several characters die or are injured (including some major characters), but it's not a bloodbath like War of the Worlds. Explosions, hand-to-hand fights, and lots of danger/peril.
-
Sex: Jack is "assigned" to Victoria both romantically and professionally. They shower together, sleep together, kiss several times, and, in one scene, Victoria seduces Jack by undressing (she's shown nude from the back), jumping into a pool and suggestively inviting him to join her. They're shown kissing passionately (he with his shirt off, she naked, with back and legs visible) underwater. Later, another couple kisses; it's implied that they make love, but nothing is shown.
-
Language: For most of the movie, language isn't very frequent (though what is heard includes "s--t," "damn," "hell," "goddamn," "oh my God," and "bitch"), but at the very end, there's one memorable use of "f--k."
-
Consumerism: Despite the future setting, there are references to the New York Yankees and bands/songs such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade of Pale."
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Jack and Victoria drink with dinner. A character smokes a cigar.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Sci-Fi + Love Story = Oblivion by MedRed
Tom Cruise is back as another "Jack" (Jack Harper, Jack Reacher, Jack from Legend, Stacie Jaxx). OK, that last one was a stretch.
Oblivion is a visually stunning, IMAX worthy movie. The special effects are flawless. Everything that this movie puts before your eyes is 100% believable.
The overall acting is above average and Tom Cruise delivers a hero role we're familiar with, but can't find fault with.
The story is well paced and the plot is good, but not great. There are quite a few questions (I won't call them plot holes) that could easily be answered if the writers chose to. Oblivion seems as if it was adapted from a book that it tried to remain mostly faithful to, but took some liberties with for the big screen. There is no book, and that's a bummer because it would be a good read.
A movie that makes you want to read a book? That's a good thing.
There are no scenes during or after the credits.
If you like my reviews, add me as a fan. I'll add you back!
5
Don?t think, see it. by Wiil0276
In art school I learned the difference between commercial art and fine art. We are constantly told in advertising and mass media what to think. In fine art it is left open for the viewer to contribute his or her interpretation that makes the piece complete. To me this director is like a poet, his words and ideas can have a different meaning for each person watching it. I left the theater knowing exactly what I just saw and yet came to new realizations before I got home. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Please see it in IMAX if you can.
5
Obliviously Awesome! by FabAnt2010
I had my doubts about this movie at first for, lets face it.. Tom Cruise ain't no MI anymore but I was proven wrong! It had a @Prometheus like feel to it but none the less left me at the edge of my seat with its action packed twists & turns throughout the whole movie! I definitely would recommend it highly!!
5
So much better than I thought by SoundShore
I would be shocked if this movie doesn't get an overall Must See from the Fans. It is clever, great script, the technicals are fabulous, characters were developed, It feels like a more slick Matrix - but it has heart and soul - I am thrilled that Cruz finally landedin a movie that exploits his skills and is something worth speaking about after. Go see this movie - TWICE
5
Not at all what I expected by rpotter22222
Expecting a Minority Report meets Mission Impossible, I came away pleasantly surprised. The story of a destroyed Earth and survivors trying to live has become cliché. This Earth is trying to come back as its human inhabitants are abandoning it to live elsewhere. All is not as it seems however and Cruise finds himself having dreams that reach back into his memory before it was wiped clean. Cruise is believable in his role and shows a softer side like we saw in Far and Away. Plot is slow in a few places but overall a movie worth seeing.
4
Fun with plenty of twists and turns by timetravelr
I saw it last night with my fiancée. We both liked it a lot. It was very entertaining with many twists and turns. I recommend it.
5
Oblivion delivered by ViperGirl
My whole family, including 10 and 12 year olds loved this movie.
I thought Tom Cruise did a great job in this one. The story was good and different. I went in without pre-conceived notions of where the story was going and I think it made it better.
Truthfully, I went it hoping it would be an okay movie and came out thinking, "wow that was great."
4
Simple equation: by cebrown820
Wall-E + Prometheus + The Matrix = Oblivion.
The concept in itself is original, but only in the sense that Taco Bell does new things with the same 5 ingredients. Too many things directly pulled from the above movies, in my opinion. Plus a little bit of the Jetsons thrown in for good measure.
That being said, it's worth seeing. Awesome visuals. Keeps you guessing.
And M83!!!!!
1
Long, confusing and just not good by jsmd
I really had high hopes for this movie. Although Tom is a few bricks short of a load there is something compelling about him on the big screen. He is just not given much here. The movie takes forever to get going. The first 45mins are painfully dull. The entire storyline is confusing. Morgan Freeman is little more than a 15 min prop. I hope he got paid well for the 1 day he must have been on the set to film his part. With Apple TV and a 60 Sony Bravia and and Arcam/Definitive audio set up I enjoy most movies more at home. This one looked like it needed the big screen and some of the shots are quite good but it is not enough to save this turkey. If 75% of the people seeing this movie like it than I would hate to endure the movies the dislike.
5
BEST SCI-FI MOVIE IN A LOOOONG TIME! by MANOFSTEEL617
Oblivion was probably the best sci-fi movie I've seen in years. Far from the normally predictable yet visually stunning movies, I loved this story from start to finish, and all the actors deliver. I'm a very 'experienced' moviegoer and I assumed I knew the ending before I went to see this movie. Boy, was I wrong! There isn't a slow spot in the film. I highly recommend seeing Oblivion.