(Originally from Facebook – July 31, 2013

I’m going to end this trifecta on a good note. The #3 entry is the post-apocalyptic sci-fi film, Oblivion. Let me tell you, the Church of Scientology should just replace whatever holy document they have with a picture of Tom Cruise. Then, whenever someone makes fun of it, or wants to know why they should join, they could just hold up that picture. The guy is constantly impressing me, not only with his performances, but also with things such as his stunt work. Did you SEE him running around outside that building in MI: Ghost Protocol?? It’s got to be difficult to do that because of the great heights involved, and also because it’s got to be hard to move so fluidly with the giant set of balls he must have to do it in the first place. Add to that the fact that he seems to actually be aging in reverse, and it’s hard not to be impressed. But I digress…

This film reminded me of the science fiction films of the 1970s that I love so much. A simple setup that belies the complexity of the story. It’s visually stunning, too, but not in the ostentatious way that we often see in other post-apocalyptic films. And although this isn’t going to be remembered as one of Cruise’s best in terms of the acting, he does a fine job carrying the story, and really is perfectly cast here. Let’s face it–he’s a “Movie Star,” so most of his roles are going to be Tom Cruise playing…Tom Cruise.

I have a feeling that this is going to be a polarizing film–you’re either going to love it or hate it. Those who love it are going to be swept away with these characters into a mysterious future. Those who hate it are going to complain that nothing happens (although there is quite a bit of action in it). I guess I fall in the former group, as I could easily see this making my top ten list in a weak year. IMDB fans give it an aggregate 7.1, and I’m giving it a 7.5. (running time 2:04)