A Summer Blockbuster with Brawn and Brains

Rating: 8/10 (30 June 2014)

On paper Edge of Tomorrow does not sound so special - it would seem to be a retread of other films. It is in basic terms another action vehicle for Tom Cruise to hold upon his shoulders as the lead. What sets it apart from it's adversaries is that it is incredibly unique and wholly its own. The director - Doug Liman of The Bourne Identity fame creates a film that has an intricate, complex and compelling structure.
We see Cruise as Major William Cage a member of the United Defence Forces who is called to London to meet with the general; whom states his intention to combat what is known as an alien race called Mimics who have taken over the majority of Europe. The General tells Cage he will be leading the other soldiers of the Unit to war. Cage refuses and well you can guess what happens. Stripped of his rank he is sent on the eve of the battle to an operating base and the following day bloodshed ensues. Cage dies and mysteriously reawakens at the operating base the previous day. He dies and is reborn, again and again and again. Each time trying to learn from his mistakes and help the soldiers win the war.
In this sense the film resembles a well worn concept, which has helped many films out in the past - that of repeating a particular incident, until it is done correctly. Films such as Groundhog Day and Source Code. It is refreshing because this could easily have been a cash grab, depriving teenage boys of their pocket money until the next Transformers flick hits the big screen. It is to my absolute delight and extreme pleasure that I can say this is not at all the case here. The concept is given a fresh, invigorating use which is not wasted. It turns it inside out and makes it as good as if not better than the films mentioned above.
It could have turned out as messy as Bay's ill favoured franchise if it was not for the clever, witty script that relishes giving its characters and Cruise's in particular that key human element, which without it the film would be lost. Also deserving of merit is the narrative structure which worms its way in and out often looping back upon itself and shaking the audience with anticipation, every twist and turn it throws at them.
The action is exhilarating and is bound to keep your pulse pounding until the credits roll. You can actually tell what is going on! Which in the 21st century is something of a marvel when one considers how many action films are littered with poor editing and bad framing of shots. Liman knows how to direct a great action film and all that is here showcases his talent for the genre and knack for it all.
The film knows what it is to feel alive, making it feel fresh and brand new. Cruise and his eventual trainer played with the required fierceness and stunning dedication to the role by Blunt is one of the key elements to elevating this film above the likes of an average action flick. They both own their roles and you can completely buy their character's continuing development and feelings throughout.
Liman proves that an action blockbuster can have brawn, brains and a human heart. This is no small feat considering the mostly lifeless and soulless work that is on offer all the time at your local cinema. Take this lively reinvention of the genre as to what the director can achieve and the possibilities seem endless. How Liman will top this is anybody's guess - but I for one will be there at the front of the queue as soon as he is helming another action film.