Fantastically entertaining but let down by its last act

Rating: 7/10 (8 June 2014)

As hard as it may be for some, it's time to leave all that Tom Cruise hate at the door and give whatever doubts you have about Edge of Tomorrow the flick. Despite it being an almost forgone conclusion that in Western markets Edge of Tomorrow will flop (with it likely making its money off the Asian market) missing out on seeing this would be a willing act of missing out on one of the most fun and well filmed blockbusters of the year and a movie that until the last hurdle consistently surprises and thrills.
Action genre specialist director Doug Liman does a fantastic job at helming this adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka's novel All You Need is Kill (gee I wish they kept that title) and is wonderfully supported by writing sibling duo Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth along with script touch ups from frequent Cruise collaborator Christopher McQuarrie. That Edge succeeds to the entertainment levels it achieves is due to this perfect melding of thrilling video game like action that throws the audience head first into this futuristic scenario by Liman and the script that was produced. The film fly's the line perfectly between being serious yet not taking itself to much so and I can safely say that the tone of the film produces more laughs and smart scenarios than most so called "comedy" films of late. Sceptics that worried of a Sci-Fi like Groundhog Day can rest assured knowing here that the sacred tale of a man repeating a day over and over is well handled here and treated with a fresh perspective. Now while all this should be enough to convince the masses the fact the film stars Tom "Scientology" Cruise will still put people off which is a mighty shame considering the man is on as good as form as ever here as at times downright cowardly Bill Cage.
Cage is an extremely interesting character for Cruise to play and Cruise nails the role completely in a character that requires him to be all the things from scared, brave through to downright disinterested. In an age of frequently cookie cutter hero's Cage is a nice change up of the formula. Cruise's Cage is a interesting lead and it's made all the better by Emily Blunt as we've never seen her before as Alien slaying master Rita. Blunt and Cruise create a very believable and dynamic duo that acts as a great pairing for the two. While all these elements all combine so well for this thoroughly enjoyable ride it would be wrong to not mention just how disappointing and lacking the films ending is. Without delving into spoiler territory Edge's last act brings down a film that for all intents and purposes was shaping up to be a nigh on perfect Sci-Fi blockbuster, it's a real shame the team behind the film ended up with a whimper and not a bang for the film deserved to go out in style.
Stunning special effects, an one key cast of likable players, an unpredictable story and some thrilling set pieces litter Edge of Tomorrow making it a must see big screen experience. With a last act worthy of what came before Edge would have another star added to its total but sadly a weak finale brings down an otherwise perfectly constructed Summer blockbuster.
3 and a half re-sets out of 5
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