Oblivion epitomizes everything about science fiction that makes the genre frustratingly mediocre at best. The biggest problem is the complete lack of originality, beginning with the predictable post-apocalyptic setting first seen in Planet of the Apes – the poor old Statue of Liberty buried yet again;a hodge-podge of futuristic themes, combining The Matrix (machines taking over), Total Recall (memory problems) and Moon (clones running the show); the inevitable twist (clones/machines who care) derivative of everything from Terminator to Short Circuit; and the sickeningly silly ending of the vanquished evil mother-ship, reminiscent of Star Wars and everything since. While there might be a few decent plot reveals, they always turn to disappointment and the endless parade of effects. In the end, it isn’t anything more than a vehicle for Mr. Cruise. Which leads me to the real question: What’s next? Might he be interested in piloting The Ark?