VS 
EDGE OF TOMORROW VS OBLIVION: 2013, 2104: ACT:++
No one can deny that Tom Cruise has been in some pretty decent movies lately and definitely played his role as the reliable, overconfident, often egotistical main lead well in the last couple of years.
You can say what you want about him personally (his "performance" on the Oprah Show comes to mind) but he does act effectively in Oblivion and Edge of Tomorrow.
What was he doing here and why was he using Oprah's couch as a trampoline?
So which movie was directed better, had better visuals, better acting, and overall better delivery as an Action/ Sci-fi movie? We shall see.
Oblivion definitely had a more subtle feel to it initially while Edge of Tomorrow jolts you with great visuals, engaging plot, and doesn't waste any time. This pace seems to slow after the twist though.
Oblivion "immerses" you in it's world.
While Oblivion is establishing character roles, sub plots, and contextual dynamics in the story, Edge of Tomorrow starts out with action and then introduces the "time is a loop" plot dynamic.
This idea of a time loop in Edge of Tomorrow reminded me of video games which you have played over and over with the notion of "knowing" where an enemy is and reacting to it because you memorized the pattern like in Dark Souls 2 and the Halo franchises. That was a great touch and becomes one of the main dynamics between Cruise and Blount in Edge of Tomorrow.
Edge of Tomorrow is one of the those movies that peaks early and then starts to lose a bit of momentum. Oblivion's is the polar opposite and makes it seem to have less "plot lag". Neither movie suffers from this tremendously, which is a common epidemic in movies today. Transformers Edge of Tomorrow definitely comes to mind.
I felt that the interaction between Cruise and the leading lady, Olga Kurylinko, in Oblivion worked better than the interaction in Edge. Although it seemed strained at times, this actually added to realism in the movie. I did enjoy how Cruise and Emily Blount became close "allies" throughout Edge of Tomorrow, but I felt Oblivion had better main character chemistry. In both of the movies, the relationships are very different, so perhaps this came into play here a bit.
Two stories that share some similarities but subtle differences under the surface arise...
Morgan Freeman's appearance in Oblivion is a welcome addition and anything he touches has that certain feel of authenticity that he brings to a role. More often than not, he plays the role of the character with "infinite wisdom", and this role is no different. He also adds to the mystique and mythology of movies.
Always enlightening, Morgan Freeman's role is welcomed in Oblivion
Emily Blount seems to fill this role in Edge of Tomorrow and depending on how you look at it, either it detracts or adds to the sexual tension. I felt it detracted at first, but then added immensely.
By then however, the movie was almost already over so it was hard to judge and the impression wasn't as strong as it could have been had the plot twist been developed better or less predictably.
In terms or effects, I can say that both are well above average and didn't have many scenes which seemed forced or had an overabundance of detail. Sometimes, movies can be so intricate that they are hard to decipher and have an element of "muddiness" such as in the Transformers movies. The suits of armor in Edge were very impressive and inspired. It reminded me a little bit of Aliens 2, and that's a definite compliment.
Edge's effects were impressive
Oblivion's effects didn't disappoint either.
Edge's overall feel wasn't as Sci-Fi-"esque" as Oblivion because there were some scenes in which you were jolted back into reality due to the time loop. Oblivion completely immersed you in pure "hyper future" reality and kept you there is disbelief and awe.
Awe-inspiring looks at the future like this set Oblivion apart.
This is where the movies start to differ significantly as well as stylistically. Oblivion becomes more cerebral while Edge of Tomorrow becomes more of an action movie. Sure, they both have action, but the context behind Oblivion's action and the way in which it ends, really set is apart and make it more memorable.
Was Oblivion more cerebral?
Once you crack the idea of Edge, it becomes easy to watch and enjoy. Perhaps a little too easy because you somewhat "know" what is going to happen. I have to admit that I was awaiting the romance between Emily and Cruise to evolve, but it really doesn't completely. Perhaps that's the point. She is a tough, no-nonsense female role that creates a good dichotomy in the movie's dynamic "feel".
Did I mention you complete me??" Oh you don't care, FINE!"
I thought Cruise put on more of a complete performance in Oblivion than in Edge of Tomorrow, but other critics said that it is just being a victim of timing. Oblivion came out first so the acting "seems" better than in Edge of Tomorrow. I don't think this is the case though because the character in Oblivion is just more contemplative and cerebral than the one in Edge.
The point of this review? Watch them both again if you can and decide or yourself. I Welcome some of your comments here. It can really be a toss-up depending on what mood you're in. If you're in the mood for an all out action, sci-fi movie with time loop twists, then watch Edge of Tomorrow.
On the other hand, if you want to marvel about the future, while listening to excellent music of M83, and think about what it might be like to have to transplant life to Jupiter, in addition to enjoying some good sexual tension/ chemistry between characters, watch Oblivion. Oblivion wins by 5 points:85% versus Edge of Tomorrow: 80%
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