Edge of Tomorrow

Edge of Tomorrow

Starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Paxton

Directed by Doug Liman

Synopsis:
An alien race known as Mimics are taking over Europe, and General Brigham (Brendan Gleeson) orders Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) to cover combat on the beach where humanity is waging its last stand.  Cage, who serves as a public affairs officer, doesn't want to go to the battle, and is eventually forced to do so.

Completely inept and totally cowardly, Cage falls to the battleground and is subsequently killed by an Alpha, which is one of the stronger Mimics.  Before he does, however, Cage is able to kill it, and its blood absorbs with his.  Then he wakes up two days earlier just as he is dropped to basic training, and realizes that he's re-living the events.

Once again, Cage dies on the battlefield, but not before seeing Rita (Emily Blunt), who is well known as a mighty warrior who defended a previous battle and led to a Mimic decimation. Before he dies again, she tells him to find her when he wakes up, and when he starts the day over again he finds her and learns that she had also gained the power the Mimics have - the ability to reset time.  However, she lost the power and now Cage has it, and he must use it to find the Omega, which is the main hub of the alien species.

As she trains him and he dies over and over, his cowardice soon turns to bravery, as the two set out to destroy the Omega and end the alien uprising, or continuously repeat the same tragic events forever.

Review:
"Edge of Tomorrow" is based off the manga and novel "All You Need is Kill' by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.  Directed by Doug Liman ("Jumper," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"), this Tom Cruise-led action film takes the idea of time travel and makes it something totally different.  The alien species attacking earth has the power to reverse time, which they use to their full advantage as they plan humanity's demise even when the humans think they're winning.

The story is intriguing and they mix in some moments of humor as well (especially during training when Rita keeps killing Cage over and over).  The chemistry between Cruise and Blunt carries the film and keeps you engrossed in the story, all the way to the bitter end.  Once again, Tom Cruise shows that he can headline an action film even at his age, and make it an enjoyable ride for the viewer.

Summary:
With a compelling theme, almost non-stop action, full character development and even moments of humor, "Edge of Tomorrow" delivers in every aspect, making for another spectacular summer action epic.

My Rating: A-