Film Review: 'Edge of Tomorrow' has an unconventional storyline, stellar special effects and a terrific performance by Tom Cruise

Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton

Director: Doug Liman

Rating: ****

What's it about:
Without giving away too much, I can say that Edge of Tomorrow has the most twisted storyline for a Hollywood film in recent times. Set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic scenario where aliens named 'mimics' are taking over the world, Tom Cruise plays the role of Major William Cage a PR manager in the armed forces. Against his wishes, Cage is forced to join the soldiers and combat these creatures. When he resists he's bound and tied up and sent to the camp for training. Emily Blunt plays poster girl and warrior Rita Vrataski who is the face of this campaign against the alien onslaught. She and Cruise have a karmic connection that plays out in the climax multiple times. 

What's hot:

Tom Cruise has a strange connection with these end-of-the-world films and rightfully so. Maybe it has something to do with his reclusive personal life or his cryptic attachment with Scientology, cause Cruise is oddly believable in these films. We are totally with him when he has that 'we are doomed' expression in these climaxes. In Edge of Tomorrow he's at the top of his game, not only does he look the part, but he's super convinced about this script, perhaps his most involvement in building up a character in a film after the Mission Impossible series. Plot wise there's a lot happening in the film. Liman takes you to the edge and throws you off the cliff before you know it. Repeat this process over a series of intervals and you will get an idea of what a roller coaster ride this film is. 3D is not annoying and intrusive, also the aliens don't look like cheap tacky leftovers from a video game, but they are swift, nimble on their feet or tentacles if you call them, and look terrifying at close up. Also there's a subtle reference or a tribute paid to Tolkien's idea of how Frodo sees the Evil Sauron (or the eye) ever time he touches that ring! Emily Blunt looks the part and does full justice in being Cruise's sexy side kick. 

What's not:

We wish there was more to Rita Vrataski's back story and how she became the warrior princess in this fight. The narrative isn't what you expect, so be prepared to have a few WTF moments, especially the end which sort of plays too safe despite such a risque treatment. 

What to do: 

Watch it for the unconventional storyline, some stellar special effects and a terrific performance by Tom Cruise.