Review: Edge of Tomorrow

The Edge of Tomorrow is a fast-paced film that explores the possibilities of reshaping a history that hasn't even happened yet.

Directed by Doug Liman (think the Jason Bourne trilogy), this Groundhog-esque movie gives the heroes (Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt) plenty of chances to win a war that is devastating Europe and threatens to overrun the entire world.

There are numerous surprises that leave the audience on edge, and Liman takes advantage of these to great effect, causing moviegoers to jump in their seats a number of times--hey...he even got me to jump once and I even knew it was coming!

The CGI in this film is just OK. Unlike other offerings this Spring, the Special Effects (SFX) came across as a bit amateurish in both look and feel, as if the SFX folks really didn't know what to do with the alien character that was envisioned. I saw this in 3-D, and it was so nondescript that I often forgot I was seeing this in the format; adding nothing special that stood out.

Tom Cruise does his usual job in this effort...in other words, you're always aware this character is played by Tom Cruise, and like most of his roles, he doesn't care that this is what the audience sees. He is the epitome of a method actor, and Cruise makes absolutely no apologies for his acting.

To me, the real star of this film was Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, The Adjustment Bureau). She carries the film in every way; outshining Cruise, and everyone else, for that matter. Blunt brings an unexpected bit of authenticity to her role, and the film benefits from her presence. Without her acting, Edge of Tomorrow would have devolved into just another in a long line of 'shoot 'em up' sci fi flicks that never really try to be better than so many others in the genre.

Is The Edge of Tomorrow a great film? No.

Is it a good film worthy of your hard-earned $$? Maybe.

As I look back on this movie, I am torn on answering that question. On one hand, Tom Cruise is, well, Tom Cruise. On the other, Emily Blunt shines, and Doug Liman directs this film with his usual and considerable satisfying style. Even the supporting cast do their jobs well, but even they come across as a bit disinterested in their roles.
Then, there is the less-than-stellar CGI. To me, it was an unforgivable knock against this film that just can't be overlooked.

So, at least a decent effort? Yeah...I'll give it that much.

The Edge of Tomorrow is by no means a memorable film; but it has a certain appeal that let's me feel like I didn't waste my money; but I doubt I'd see it again in the theater.

Is the one a buyer? I don't know. Maybe on the five dollar rack.