In theatres: Oblivion, rated PG-13

There are fits and starts to the pacing, soft spots in the script and some obvious sampling--to borrow a phrase from the music world. Somehow none of this matters.

Oblivion benefits from some very big plus factors: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman (together for the first time), some ethereal visuals and exhilarating effects.

Part of the draw is Cruise himself. Love him or hate him, the actor has a rare ability to dominate action films. Cruise crafts and performs most of his own stunts with the dedication of a true adrenaline addict. This role places him in a future earth devastated by alien war and...