EDGE OF TOMORROW
Directed by Doug Liman. Starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt & Bill Paxton.
Based on the Japanese scifi novel All You Need is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, Edge of Tomorrow tells the story of Major William Cage (Cruise) who is pitted into combat with alien forces against his will, is killed only to find that he is re-living the day of his first battle again and again. Eventually, he enlists the aid of Sgt. Rita Vrataski (Blunt), a Special Forces soldier and together they hatch a plan to defeat the alien invaders against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Movie buffs will instantly recognize the influence of Groundhog Day and classic scifi tropes in Edge of Tomorrow but this familiarity does not diminish the sheer enjoyment and entertainment the movie provides. Told from Cage’s perspective, it is easy to identify with the Major’s disorientation and disturbance when he realizes the gravity of the situation he is in but finding an ally in Vrataski propels the narrative with purpose and destiny. There are enough twists and turns along the way to keep things interesting without resorting to sentimentality although the soft denouement was probably necessitated by commercial concerns.
Edge of Tomorrow is essentially a vehicle for Cruise and Blunt to demonstrate their abilities and commitment to the roles. Cruise does what he does best – projecting the likable leading man that he obviously still is whilst Blunt is indomitable in her characterization of the super-soldier icon (“The Angel of Verdun”/”Full Metal Bitch”) for the human cause . The chemistry between the two leads is strong without being outstanding with Blunt stealing virtually every scene she appears in (as she did in Looper). Doug Liman’s direction is taut and direct, with practical special effects working well, whilst the creature design for the Mimics (the alien antagonists) is certainly intriguing,
One of the must-see scifi movies of the year!
Edge of Tomorrow is showing at the cinemas now.
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