Say what you like about Tom Cruise, and many have, he is still one of the few people in the world who can get a movie made, and open it with just his name behind it.

For all the extra-curricular claims and rumours dogging his personal life, he remains the consummate professional and boasts a CV that most actors can only dream to aspire to.

While the Oscar still eludes him, he remains arguably the most bankable star in the world, with only Will Smith to contend with him. Also at over 50 he looks at least 10 years younger, so whatever he is doing – he does it brilliantly.

In a world where Earth was left half destroyed by an alien invasion, Jack Harper (Cruise) is one of the few remaining workers whose job it is to repair and monitor droids, who protect giant water power converters, which are sucking up the sea to generate energy for the human population currently residing on Titan – one of the moons of Saturn, where they were evacuated.

He lives with his partner Victoria (Andrea Riseborough) in a secluded but warm relationship and are just 2 weeks away from joining the rest of humanity. However Jack is plagued by recurring dreams, featuring a mysterious woman, who then coincidentally crash lands on Earth, is discovered by Jack. Then they are captured by the mysterious Scavengers, who are terrorising the good work of the hydro-power stations. However Jack discovers a terrible secret which changes his perception of his existence forever.

Oblivion is really rather good, and confounds initial expectations. While come critics may argue similar stories have been told, the twists are unexpected and the conclusion very satisfying. It is a film you can get caught up in, and enjoy the ride. Cruise puts in a somewhat serious performance, the choice of which becomes clear once you realise his past.

Riseborough provides excellent support as his partner, and Morgan Freeman does what he does best as the leader of the Scavengers. It looks fantastic and the sound and score are particularly effective. It’s also refreshing to see an epic sci-fi story without needing to shoot it in 3D.

7/10