Put Groundhog Day and Starship Troopers in a blender and the result will look a lot like Edge of Tomorrow. Tom Cruise plays an American major (who specializes in advertising) loaned to the World Defense Force. Europe has been invaded by an alien army that resembles the tentacled aliens from The Matrix movies. Tom Cruise is forced to fight in the human invasion of Normandy. The aliens slaughter the humans, but Tom Cruise wakes up a day before the invasion (it’s Groundhog Day all over again). Cruise meets up with Emily Blunt, the WDF’s most decorated soldier, and tells her about his time reset. She believes him because she had that power, but lost it. Now Cruise has it. The invasion gets repeated hundreds of times, but the result is always a defeat for the humans. Cruise and Watson discover that they must kill the alien “Omega” who controls the alien army. The battle scenes are graphic and gory. The plot provides enough surprises to keep the action focused. Director Doug Liman (the Bourne movies) knows a few things about fast-paced action movies. Except for the soap operaish title (a mashup of Edge of Night and Search for Tomorrow), I have no complaints. GRADE: A-
George, it also sounds a bit like Cruise’s “War of the Worlds.” The 21st century armoured soldier looks more like a robot than a human. I suppose it’s that kind of a film which has more special effects than any real acting. The poster looks good and I’ll probably see it as I like such films.
Prashant, I enjoyed the time reset premise of EDGE OF TOMORROW. And the battle scenes are spectacular!
I just can’t force myself to watch a Tom Cruise movie anymore. I like the Cap’n’s nicknme for him.
Randy, The Evil Dwarf is under control in EDGE OF TOMORROW. And then, there’s Emily Blunt…
Although I don’t like Cruise, I am a sucker for movies that play with time so I will probably see it.
Patti, the time aspects are cleverly done. I think Phil will enjoy Emily Blunt’s performance, too.
Good point, George. That title has bothered me since I first heard it. The movie got pretty good reviews here too (yes, even Tommy) and even though I feel about him almost the same as the Cap’n I’ll probably see it eventually, even if on the small screen. I can’t say the same about WAR OF THE WORLDS or the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE movies.
Jeff, EDGE OF TOMORROW has a terrible title but a compelling story. It’s worth a look.
Yeah, who came up with that lame-o title? Your comment about the soap opera mash-up is spot on. Of course, Cruise has always rubbed me the wrong way and it doesn’t appear as if this movie will change that.
Deb, plenty of people dislike Tom Cruise. But he’s subdued in EDGE OF TOMORROW. And Emily Blunt is worth watching.
It’s the Smirking Dwarf and I wouldn’t soil my eyes watching him or any of his $cientology ilk if they paid me in gold ingots. C’mon, people, quit helping his evil cult prosper.
Bob, I had a free ticket to EDGE OF TOMORROW.
I guess that’s what freedom of religion is about, Cap’n. Not my style, that’s for sure, and I don’t think much of him as an actor, though I did like Top Gun.
It’s not a religion but a huckster scheme disguised as one.