Directed by Doug Liman
Written by Christopher McQuarrie and Jez Butterworth
Starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt and Bill Paxton
‘A Mind-Bending Marvel’
Ever since his career began 3 decades ago, Tom Cruise has always been a typecast actor. Whether he’s jumping off the tallest building in the world in the “Mission Impossible” movies or soaring high into the sky in “Top Gun”, Cruise has built a career out of playing action heroes with a love for adventure. Yet, as an actor, he hasn’t really been given the chance to step out of his comfort zone. Like a machine performing the same task over and over again, his characters have been highly predictable: a muscular hero nobody wants to mess with.
If you think that Tom Cruise is nothing more than an action star, then Doug Liman’s latest sci-fi outing “Edge of Tomorrow” may change your mind. A dazzling blend of pop-corn entertainment and intelligent ideas, this thought-provoking film marks a huge comeback for the actor following a 3-year agenda of forgettable movies. From 2010’s “Knight and Day” to 2011’s “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol”, Tom Cruise has always been associated with pass-time entertainment. Yet, in the case of “Edge of Tomorrow”, it is so much more. In the midst of all the sequels, reboots and remakes that have been released in Hollywood this year, here’s a thoroughly original movie. A science-fiction film with brains, heart and an adrenaline-rush of thrills, it features Tom Cruise at his best after a very long time.
Even if you’re not a fan of this actor, it’s quite a refreshing change of pace to see a film that’s this original in quality. Like an extinct species of animals, these types of movies are rarely ever released in Hollywood. Why? The answer is simple: money. Nowadays, filmmakers place more importance on how much money a film will make at the box-office rather than it’s quality. With that comes a cavalcade of unoriginal movies solely made to grab cash out of your pocket.
Thankfully, though, Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow” is not one of those films. Although it is reminiscent of celebrated sci-fi flicks like “Groundhog Day” and “Inception”, this motion picture offers a unique spin on what we come to expect from the genre. Set in a future not so far away, the story takes place during an alien invasion on Earth. However, when a cowardly army officer (Tom Cruise) is forced to participate, he discovers that he has the power to time-travel. With the future of mankind in his hands, it is up to this soldier to save the human race from destruction.
And so we are transported into a world filled with vivid visual imagery, twists and turns, and one hell of a mind-boggling story.
At a first glance, it seems as if Doug Liman (the talent behind the “Bourne” trilogy) may not be the best director to pull of such a tricky plot. With only one sci-fi caterer under his belt, 2008’s mediocre “Jumper”, it seems unlikely that he will succeed. Yet, surprisingly enough, he turns out to be a magician of the genre. Like a musician playing their favorite instrument, the director seamlessly combines the styles of pop-corn entertainment and mind-bending storytelling to create the definition of movie-magic. The result is a film that’s not only endlessly entertaining but also one that makes you think long after the credits roll.
What makes “Edge of Tomorrow” stand out in a crowded Summer season is that it’s filled with humor. With a plot revolving around a man living the same day over and over again, there’s a huge risk for steam to run out fast. However, thanks to an energetic pace, the movie never does. Each scene offers laugh-out-loud humor, making each day-scenario feel fresh and unpredictable. It’s a rather refreshing tone when compared to sci-fi classics, which usually take a darker route to telling a story. A change from the usual grim atmosphere created by sci-fi entertainment, “Edge of Tomorrow” offers out-of-breath laughs that keep you at the edge-of-your-seat throughout.
So do the fantastic performances. Each actor perfectly fits into their role, with not one feeling miscast or the least bit out-of-place. Whether it’s the hysterically funny Bill Paxton who nails the comedic moments or the rather intimidating Brendan Gleeson who sends shivers down your spine, the entire cast is a splendid joy to watch.
Yet, ultimately, the main attraction that this rollercoaster ride has to offer is the pitch-perfect casting of Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, who both tune in equally amazing performances. If you have never been impressed by Tom Cruise as a movie-star, then this is the role that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for his talents. Stepping out of the restrictions of his typical roles, Cruise proves himself to be one hell of a versatile actor. Not only does his knack for comedic timing carry the film’s comedy, he has a rare gift of making the audience feel as if they’re in his shoes.
Emily Blunt is another talent to be reckoned with, crafting one of the strongest female characters in recent memory. These days, it’s often that female characters in action movies are limited to being damsels in distress, or simply put: women who rely on the ‘heroes’ to save their lives. Determined, hard-working and not one to resort to stereotypes, Emily Blunt is the exact opposite: a symbol of hope for female movie-stars in the industry.
Not as impressive, however, is the attention that director Doug Liman gives to the world surrounding these actors. For the lack of a better word, it comes across as rushed. As an example, problems start to show up when you examine the aliens in the story. Although they are visually stunning and a feast for the eyes, they lack a proper motivation or back-story. In other words, they seem to be there for no reason other than to look ‘cool’ and accommodate the action sequences. Perhaps, a more meticulous eye for detail could have lifted “Edge of Tomorrow” into being a classic.
Yet, with an unexpected ending, it comes quite close to achieving that status. Even if it doesn’t hold a patch on renowned sci-fi fare like “Inception”, it’s still an astonishing feat when a film this original comes along in a Summer that’s so far been recycled. Especially when it’s one that deserves to be seen more than once.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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