I could easily spoil the vast majority of Oblivion merely by listing the various science fiction films from which it cribs. From visual cues to plot beats and character arcs, it feels like a mash-up of the various high-profile science fiction thrillers from the last few decades. But almost despite itself, the film works anyway as its own beast. Yes the characters are thin and the screenplay doesn't have too much going on underneath the hood, but the film is an absolute visual delight. Universal originally planned to release this film in America last Friday for an exclusive IMAX-only week-long engagement and it's easy to see why. The film features absolutely fantastic special effects, yet offers the pleasure of being able to believe your eyes more often than not. Director Joseph Kosinski's Oblivion may be a triumph of style over substance, but the picture *is* a triumph of style, with strong acting that helps overcome the lack of substance. Sometimes visual imagination coupled with strong acting is enough. The end of the world never looked so beautiful.
