Edge Of Tomorrow

Director: Doug Liman

Stars: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson

Released: 30^th May – Still Showing

Taking a look at the poster for Edge Of Tomorrow and dressed in their fancy gadget-equipped battle costume gear, Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt don’t look that much out of place in every genetic action thriller (think Starship Troopers meets Alien meets Saving Private Ryan). On the surface, this looks like any other, but the twist here includes sci-fi time looping causing a Groundhog Day effect of epic proportions.

In the near future our planet has been invaded by powerful octopus-like alien entities called ‘Mimics’, which are wiping out the human race. When US military’s PR strategic officer Lt. William Cage (Tom Cruise) is press ganged into the thick of the action, not only is he well out of his comfort zone (evident by his complete lack of combat training), but when he is killed accidentally absorbs alien blood into his system finding himself inexplicably reliving the same day over and over every time he is killed. So ensues a battle against the fates, as Cage fights not only an evil force, but also to find a way to stop time reloading – and to do this he needs the help of super-warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) who is the only other person who has been through exactly the same thing as him.

This is Doug Liman’s second attempt at sci-fi after 2008’s exciting Jumper project turned out to be disappointingly wishy-washy and forgettable. Taken from Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s novel All You Need Is Kill, Edge Of Tomorrow is an exciting, gritty and intelligent roller coaster ride of emotions in a world of generic, long and boring action movies with little meaning.

Recycling the old time bending trick that has been used numerous times before, (like fan favourite Back To The Future and most recently Source Code) but pleasingly the worrying elements of the repetitive nature are unfounded and are in fact used to excellent effect without compromising the story and keeping it fresh and funny - very funny in fact. One scene-stealing moment sees Cage desperately trying to trick his fate with a few perfectly timed actions, most memorably a nifty under-car roll that goes wrong once or twice (or perhaps many times?!). Emily Blunt meanwhile is clearly revelling in being able to shoot Tom Cruise over and over again, training him until he corrects his mistakes and gets it right. The more he fights, the longer he survives and a better soldier he becomes.

The set pieces are fantastic, travelling mainly through London and France. They even managed to clear central London for the day so they could land a helicopter into a deserted Trafalgar Square in the opening scene.

While the action and special effects are top notch and pretty much speak for themselves, it’s of major importance that we not be bogged down by a bad script. The writing here however is intelligent and well crafted thanks to the smarts of Christopher McQuarrie (who wrote The Usual Suspects) with British writing duo-brothers Jez and John-Henry Butterworth. The dialogue is short and punchy while the characters are vibrant and gritty. 

It's also noteworthy that Cruise is cast against his usual type, which will please those who have an issue with him in his other big budget films. This time he starting off as a cowardly sideliner, happy to let other people do the heavy work. But as he is trained, and has to learn from his mistakes over and over he becomes a powerful fighter.

The breakneck speed of the plot means character development is lacking. Cruise and Blunt mesh well together though as leading stars and for a refreshing change are not solely romantically focused. It's a delight to see the emmensely talented Blunt back on the screen in her first big action role while Cruise also takes a surprisingly likeable change of route as the anti-hero stepping up to the plate.
The other cast members are of little importance really, though Bill Paxton is a great presence as Cage’s commanding officer barking orders and smirking with glee.

Why they needed to retitle it from the book is unfortunate, perhaps All You Need Is Kill is not quite the punchy title they wanted, though what they replaced it with sounds like the latest Bond movie.

Do you need to see it in 3D? No not particularly, but it is an enjoyable film that should definately been seen on the big screen.

Great story, great cast and great script in an action film…easily the best blockbuster of the year so far.

VERDICT: * * * *

Despite it’s generic retitle, Edge of Tomorrow is a smart, funny and visually dazzling sci-fi, while the time twist works beautifully without becoming boring or (ahem) repetitive! Blunt shines, and once again Cruise proves what a great action man he still is in what is miles ahead of other actioners this year so far. One to watch again…and again…and again…

Edge Of Tomorrow is showing at cinemas across the UK now, in 2D and 3D Imax performances.