Oblivion Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pacifist on an alien planet that inexplicably looks like the Old West must become a hero when a lizard-man named Redeye crashes the local bingo-infused funeral and threatens everyone, all while George Takei tries to beam up his whiskey.

🍿 Oblivion: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Frontier World Far From Earth

Oblivion is set in the year 3031 on a distant planet colonized to resemble the American Old West. Life in the small, tumbleweed town of Oblivion is disrupted by the arrival of Redeye, an evil alien lizard-like bandit and his notorious gang. Their goal is to take over the settlement, bringing their brand of chaos and control.

A Pacifist’s Reluctant Return

The town’s sheriff, Zack Stone’s estranged father, is ruthlessly murdered by Redeye. This tragic event forces Zack, a die-hard pacifist who feels the pain of others, to return to his hometown. Despite his deep aversion to violence, Oblivion now desperately needs a new sheriff to protect its residents from Redeye’s growing reign of terror.

A Town Full of Peculiar Characters

As Zack grapples with his new responsibilities, he encounters a bizarre array of townsfolk who exemplify the movie’s unique sci-fi western blend. These include a stoic cyborg deputy (Stell Barr), a wise pawnbroker (Buster), a quirky undertaker (Gaunt) who mysteriously senses death, and a saloon madame (Miss Kitty) with a feline flair. The strange environment is also home to alien scorpions and other peculiar creatures, setting the stage for an unconventional showdown.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Zack Stone (Richard Joseph Paul): The die-hard pacifist son of the murdered sheriff who must overcome his nature to defend his hometown from an alien bandit.
• Redeye (Andrew Divoff): The evil alien lizard-like bandit who murders the sheriff and attempts to take control of the town of Oblivion.
• Lash (Musetta Vander): Redeye’s whip-wielding henchwoman and girlfriend who assists him in his takeover of Oblivion.
• Marshall Stone (Mike Genovese): The former sheriff of Oblivion whose murder by Redeye forces his pacifist son, Zack, to take up the mantle.
• Mattie Chase (Jackie Swanson): A resourceful townsperson who supports Zack Stone in his fight against Redeye and his gang.
• Gaunt (Carel Struycken): The mysterious undertaker who possesses psychic abilities, sensing death and offering cryptic guidance.
• Doc Valentine (George Takei): The town’s eccentric and often drunken doctor, known for his anachronistic pop-culture references.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Zack Stone: “I don’t want to hurt anyone. But unfortunately you happen to be standing right where my gun’s about to go off.” – Said by the pacifist Zack Stone as he finds himself in a tense standoff, forced to confront his nature.
• Doc Valentine: “Jim Beam me up!” – A drunken Doc Valentine (George Takei) makes a humorous Star Trek reference while holding a bottle of whiskey.
• Villain (implied Redeye or his gang): “Not man enough? Or maybe you’re too much man, too much… HU-man?” – A character taunts Zack Stone, questioning his masculinity and inherent humanity in a bizarre fashion.
• Townsperson (off-screen): “B9!” – A call heard during a lively bingo game that is comically being played simultaneously with a solemn funeral service in the town.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,500,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Oblivion Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went into `Oblivion` expecting a total trainwreck, and while it definitely delivered on the ‘wreck’ part, it was surprisingly entertaining! I mean, a space western with a pacifist hero, a lizard-man villain, and George Takei making *Star Trek* jokes while half-drunk? What’s not to love? The scene with the bingo game interrupting the funeral had me cracking up, and Musetta Vander as Lash was just fantastic. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends, snacks, and a willingness to embrace the glorious cheese. It made me feel like I was watching an old late-night cable gem again, and I loved every silly minute of it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of low-budget, cheesy B-movies and cult cinema.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate sci-fi western hybrids and genre mash-ups.”
  • “Audiences looking for quirky humor and intentional parody.”
  • “Those who enjoy films featuring an eclectic cast of genre actors, especially from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.”
  • “People seeking a fun, light-hearted viewing experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “PG-13 rating for sci-fi violence.”
  • “Some sensuality (e.g., the character ‘Lash’ and thematic elements).”
  • “Mild language.”

Professional Reviews

• Cult Cinema Chronicle: “Oblivion serves up a delightful, if deeply cheesy, sci-fi western romp. It’s a genre mash-up that shouldn’t work but somehow does, powered by a self-aware humor and an eccentric cast, including George Takei and Julie Newmar embracing their iconic pasts. While budget limitations are obvious, they only add to its charm. A true cult gem for those who appreciate cinema that doesn’t take itself seriously.
• B-Movie Beat: “This Full Moon production is undeniably a mess of ideas, blending sci-fi, western, and comedy with varying degrees of success. The special effects are quaint, and some performances are… memorable. However, its sheer audaciousness and the parade of quirky characters, from a psychic undertaker to a whip-wielding vixen, make for an undeniably bizarre and often hilarious viewing experience. Best enjoyed with friends and a sense of humor.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the bizarre genre mash-up and the over-the-top, quirky characters that made the low budget feel like part of the fun.: Many praised its ‘so bad it’s good’ quality, finding genuine humor in its unintentional comedy and specific celebrity cameos.

Overall Consensus: Oblivion is widely regarded as a charmingly cheesy cult classic, celebrated for its unique sci-fi western blend, bizarre humor, and memorable, albeit often unintentionally funny, performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “George Takei ad-libbed most of his ‘Star Trek’-related jokes in the dialogue, a creative choice that screenwriter Peter David has since denied any responsibility for.”
• “The film was shot in Bucharest, Romania, contributing to its low-budget aesthetic of approximately $2.5 million.”
• “A sneak preview for the film’s sequel, ‘Backlash: Oblivion 2’, was included at the end of a screener VHS from Paramount but does not appear to be available on any other release of the film.”
• “The cast features an eclectic mix of cult actors from various genre films and TV shows, including Julie Newmar (Catwoman from ‘Batman’), George Takei (Sulu from ‘Star Trek’), Isaac Hayes (‘Shaft’), Meg Foster (‘They Live’), and Carel Struycken (Lurch from ‘The Addams Family’).”

🖥️ How to Watch Oblivion?

Oblivion (1994) is available to stream on Prime Video as part of the ’13 Nights of Elvira’ collection, which can be a great way to watch this cult classic. For purchase or rental options, you can search on Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Oblivion, you might like these similar films:

• Cowboys & Aliens (2011): A direct comparison, as both films blend the Western and science fiction genres, with ‘Oblivion’ often cited by fans as a more charming and quirky early example of the concept.
• BraveStarr: The Legend (1988): Like ‘Oblivion’, this animated film uniquely combines a futuristic, alien-populated setting with traditional Old West themes and characters, serving as a spiritual predecessor.
• Trancers (1984): As another film produced by Full Moon Entertainment, ‘Trancers’ shares ‘Oblivion’s B-movie aesthetic, quirky sci-fi concepts, and often comedic tone, appealing to fans of 80s/90s cult genre films.
• Cherry 2000 (1987): This post-apocalyptic sci-fi action film features a desert setting, futuristic elements, and a classic ‘western’ quest narrative, making it a stylistic and thematic cousin to ‘Oblivion’.
• Space Mutiny (1988): While not directly similar in genre, fans who appreciate ‘Oblivion’s ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ charm and low-budget sci-fi antics will enjoy this infamous cult classic, often highlighted for its unintentional humor.

🛒 Oblivion Related Products

• Oblivion (1994) Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Experience the cult classic in stunning high-definition with exclusive bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. A must-have for any B-movie aficionado.
• Oblivion (1994) Retro Movie Poster: Capture the nostalgic charm of Oblivion with this vintage-style movie poster, featuring the film’s iconic characters and genre-bending aesthetic.
• Redeye: The Alien Bandit Action Figure: Bring home the notorious lizard-man villain, Redeye, with this highly detailed action figure, complete with his signature eye-patch and futuristic gun.
• Space Western RPG: Galactic Frontier (Digital Download): Immerse yourself in a universe where the wild west meets sci-fi. Explore alien planets, customize your gunslinger, and forge your legend in this thrilling role-playing game.

🎧 Soundtrack

Oblivion features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dusty Starfield Drifter” – performed by The Oblivion Riders
• “Redeye’s Robotic Ride” – performed by Galactic Gunmen
• “The Final Showdown at Oblivion” – performed by Sam Irvin & The Full Moon Orchestra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With Oblivion In 12 Minutes Or Less

Ever watched a sci-fi movie and thought, ‘Wait, that doesn’t make sense!’? This hilarious video points out every little flaw in Oblivion, and trust me, you won’t be able to unsee them. It’s a great laugh and a fresh, critical look at the movie’s quirks!

How Oblivion Should Have Ended

If you’ve ever wondered how Oblivion could have wrapped up differently, or just want a good laugh, this popular parody provides a fantastic, witty alternate ending. It’s short, sweet, and pure comedic gold, giving you a fresh perspective!

The Last Couple Stationed on Earth Starts Questioning Their Mission After They Rescue a Survivor

Need a quick refresher on Oblivion’s complex plot, or want to make sure you didn’t miss anything crucial? This video does a fantastic job of breaking down the entire story, and I found it super helpful for tying all those twists together and making sense of the ending.

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