Tom Cruise as Jack in Oblivion. Now in theaters.
From films starring Tom Cruise to Seth Rogen, the end of the world as we know it happens in a few different ways. American directors seem to be caught up with the thrill of dystopia this year of 2013. Zombie movies, alien invasions, and even the classic film depicting humans as their own destructors are all the rage this post “apocalyptic speculation” year. The subject of many of these movies is what happens after the world as we know it “ends.” The sub-genre of the post apocalyptic action film ranges from comedy, to horror. If this sci-fi action genre sparks your interest here are some films to look out for in 2013.
Oblivion: Jack, Tom Cruise, sets out to fix parts of a destroyed, once war ridden Earth. What he finds, in addition to missing his once thriving planet, is Morgan Freeman and a mystery unfolding right before his eyes. Jack must do all he can to try and save Earth and the human race. Now playing in theaters.
After Earth: Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith, play a father and son in this science fiction film set in the future. The trailer suggests that the Smiths must find a way off of a hostile planet, Earth, after their space ship crash landed. We learn that Earth has been abandoned by humans for hundreds of years and the creatures on the planet have evolved to think of humans as their enemies. An interesting concept regardless of how it will do in the box office when it is released on June 7.
This is the End: On a lighter note, instead of the drama presented in the first two choices, This is the End is a straight up comedy. Seth Rogen, James Franco, and many other comedian-actors star in this riotous film. It is unclear whether or not it is intended to be a parody, but it will still be worth seeing if not just for Emma Watson’s cameo. The actors all play themselves as they are trying to survive the apocalypse. Head to the theaters on June 12 for this rambunctious experience.
World War Z: If zombie movies make you cringe then be sure to avoid World War Z at the theaters. Brad Pitt must leave his family and aid the prevention of an unexpected zombie apocalypse on the Earth. This film is based on a book, “World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War.” Check out World War Z this June.
Elysium: In the year of 2154, the wealthier part of the human population lives on Elysium. The remaining impoverished live on a dystopian version of Earth. Matt Damon lives on Earth and one day decides that he needs to get to Elysium. Eventually turning into a cyborg half breed, Damon heads to Elysium, where Jodie Foster appears to run things. Elysium is expected to be released on August 9.
While these films may satisfy your sci-fi craving, most of them will not be released until the summer. If you still want more, check out releases from previous years to tide you over until the world ends.
2012 (2009)
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)/(2008)
I am Legend (2007)
The War of the Worlds (1953)/(2005)
