Arguably Tom Cruise's finest performance for years.

Rating: 8/10 (10 June 2014)

"Edge of Tomorrow" (12A) Directed by: Doug Liman. Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson and Jonas Armstrong.
Tom Cruise is 50 years old, but by heck, he doesn't look it. His latest Sci-Fi epic "Edge of Tomorrow" takes the alien invasion plot device and neatly places it within the subject of time travel (or time displacement, it depends on your interpretation!).
Cruise plays Major William Cage, an officer who has never seen a day of combat, due to his job of literally being the face of the army, during a war between the human race and an alien nation, known as Mimics. Yes, you guessed it. Cage is a cowardly, yet slick, public relations officer (a reinterpretation of his character Jerry Maguire?) who is safe behind the cameras and news crews. But, due to unforeseen circumstances whilst in Britain, Cage is thrust into the battle for the front line, which will eventually amount to becoming a complete suicide mission.
Upon landing on a beach within France (it's slightly reminiscent of Normandy), Cage is killed within minutes, but is inexplicably caught within a time loop, that forces him to relive the cursed battle over and over again. As Cage fights within each battle however, he becomes stronger and wiser, eventually discovering that with the help of fellow officer Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), they might just be able to end the war for ever.
It's complicated, yet intriguing, and that's possibly why this adaptation of the graphic novel "All You Need Is Kill" by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, is so entertaining. From the opening battle to the very last scene, Doug Liman's eighth directorial feature is completed in its excellence by screenwriters Christopher McQuarrie, Jez and John-Henry Butterworth. The trio of experienced writers (McQuarrie wrote "The Usual Suspects", if you haven't seen it, you must!) strive to bring audiences something fresh and exciting despite the format having been used numerous times within "Source Code" (2011) and "Groundhog Day" (1993).
Fortunately that's just what they do, by simply adding in romance and comedic elements, with Tom Cruise seemingly doing what he does best, by contributing his humorous charisma and providing a great and appealing performance, in order to keep the film light at times, yet dark in others. Emily Blunt also acts well in the form of the officer, Rita (aptly named the "full metal b**ch"), who seems to perform in a reserved manner, yet keeps in line with the warrior style.
﻿﻿﻿ ﻿﻿The rest of the cast also provide fine support, especially actors such as Bill Paxton (equipped with a wonderfully unhinged performance), and Brendan Gleeson who isn't given a large role, but performs well, and is always welcome on the big screen, especially after his performance in this year's black comedy, "Calvary" from John Michael McDonagh. Other actors such as Jonas Armstrong (formerly portraying Robin Hood, in the BBC series), Tony Way (also seen in "Game Of Thrones", as Ser Dontos Hollard) and Franz Drameh (from "Attack The Block") all act perfectly, nailing the fine line between serious and comical.
Despite the great chemistry between Blunt and Cruise, I couldn't help but notice however, that (because it's a Doug Liman movie, it must have a tad bit of romance!) the romantic side to the main characters relationship, seems slightly tedious, but when it does work, it works particularly well and the two leads are more than capable of holding the romantic side of the story together.
In regards to the director Doug Liman, this is possibly his finest film since "The Bourne Identity", directing each action sequence with style and proving that he can direct a film that is decent in terms of its plot and cast. Each action sequence has also been planned and edited perfectly by James Herbert, in order to deliver a "Saving Private Ryan" feel to the battle, putting his skills as editor on Guy Ritchie's highly stylised "Sherlock Holmes" films, to good use. The composer Christophe Beck also contributes by creating an exciting score to the film, including an impressive theme that is used throughout the film. ﻿ ﻿﻿﻿ It is also worth mentioning the quality of the visual effects by Nick Davis ("The Dark Knight"), in particular the aliens known as Mimics look extremely well designed. In addition to the visual effects, Dion Beebe's cinematography is perfect, capturing the gritty style of war and apocalyptic themes just as well his cinematography for "Equilibrium" (2002).
Verdict
"Edge of Tomorrow" is an intriguing and ambitious blockbuster which is constantly funny, shocking and engaging; it's arguably Tom Cruise's finest performance for years.
8 Stars out of 10
Written by Scott Gentry.