I went into this movie knowing absolutely nothing about it, and as a result, I absolutely loved it. This is one of those movies that - like any M. Night Shyamala movie - depends on the element of surprise to sustain its plot. Based on a graphic novel by Joseph Kosinski (who also wrote, produced, and directed the film), this is a sweeping, post-apocalyptic epic that will hold you glued to your seat. About the best thing I can say about this film is that it is reminiscent of a Philip K. Dick story.
It is set several decades in the future after a devastating alien invasion by an alien race called the Scavs. We won the war, but at a terrible cost. The earth is so badly damaged that it can no longer sustain life. Most of the human population has relocated to a moon over Saturn, and a small contingent of humans are left on Earth to "clean up", as an element of the Scavs remain on the planet floor.
The best aspect of this film was the visuals - and not just the special effects, which were extraordinary. But the landscapes. Never would one imagine that a post-apocalyptic earth would retain such stark beauty.
The performances were excellent. Tom Cruise was Tom Cruise, just as Morgan Freeman was Morgan Freeman. They are both established character actors. Andrea Riseborough gives a striking performance as Tom Cruise's jealous wife, and Ukranian actress Olga Kurylenko plays the mysterious girl who haunts his dreams.
The movie is action packed and does exactly what a movie is supposed to do - give one a couple of hours of escape. It is rare to experience a riveting science fiction epic, and this movie is certainly not one to be missed.
My wife and I saw it and loved it too. The twists in the movie just added to its appeal.
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