EDGE OF YOUR SEAT
Movie Review – “Edge of Tomorrow”
Review by Ray Schillaci
“Edge of Tomorrow” is the science fiction action/adventure that we’ve been waiting a long time to see. Never mind the time traveling trope or any reservations you may have about watching a “Tom Cruise movie”. This is a well-tuned machine that provides a fun trip to the movies that can be enjoyed by just about anyone young and old. The bad part, it may not be in theaters long due to poor box office results and that is no fault of this fine production or Mr. Cruise himself.
“EoT” has had the unenviable task of going up against teen angst from a very popular book, “The Fault in Our Stars,” and the ever popular, but underwhelming (for a lot of us out there) “Maleficent”. My guess is it also suffers from two other hurdles as well. Exhaustion by the public of action-oriented fare after “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past”. The roar of the crowd does not seem to be present for a non-Marvel action film. Then there is Tom Cruise’s last movie; another science fiction film that was incredibly derivative and disappointing. Yes, it had better box office returns, but the public does not so easily forget when they have felt duped and “Oblivion” although looked great was such a disappointment that many people might have already made their decision about Mr. Cruise’s newest movie no matter how much the critics rave.
For any of you who are on the fence – go see this film. For all you haters, let’s have you do a little time traveling and remember when you enjoyed Tom Cruise in a movie; “Risky Business” “Rain Man” “Born on Fourth of July” “Jerry Maguire” and “Tropic Thunder”. Not that his performance in this movie is Oscar caliber, but it’s that engaging part of him that charms the hell out of us and accepts the man for the predicament he’s in and we end up rooting like hell for him. That’s what makes this film such a thrill along with the solid counter part portrayed with plenty of gusto by Emily Blunt and a production helmed by Doug Liman who makes us laugh, cheer and gasp for nearly two hours.
The story sounds simple; aliens have attacked and we’re losing the battle because they seem to figure out our every move. Why? They have the ability to kickback time and correct their mistakes. Cruise plays Lt. Col. Cage, who happens to be a smarmy talking head advertiser, in charge of rallying all those young men and women even though he’s never seen a day of combat, let alone been trained for battle. But the tables soon turn and he is thrust against his will into a D-Day like scenario that is breathtaking.
It’s no secret that Cruise dies pretty quick and, unbeknownst to him, acquires the alien’s ability. He suddenly finds himself back where he started the day – he is drafted into the squad that’s about to face a brutal attack over and over again until Cruise can figure out how to outmaneuver his comrades, the government and the alien horde. A tall order for a pinhead ad man that started off smiling his way up to Lt. Col. Cruise manages to make us hate him, fear for him and eventually admire him for his determination.
Then there is the luminescent Emily Blunt, who manages to kick ass, be intelligent and thought-provoking while continuing to catch our eye as a very sexy heroine. She is a tough no-nonsense soldier that holds the fate of the world on her shoulders and avoids any charm Mr. cruise attempts to swing her way. The chemistry is loads of fun in a twisted way.
A lot of credit has to go to Doug Liman and his production team for making this science fiction tale such a refreshing action-packed adventure that has hearts racing with every new turn. Although we’ve seen movies regarding time travel, aliens and invasions, Liman and crew makes it all feel like it’s a new ride. There are roller coasters, and there are ROLLER COASTERS. The later is what “Edge of Tomorrow” is. So, get over to your closest IMAX or big screen, because the thrill will never be as good as that magnificent presentation.
Directed by: Doug Liman
Release Date: June 6, 2014
Run Time: 113 Minutes
Country: USA/Australia
Rated: PG-13
Distributor: Warner Brothers
