By Will Sevy
Online Arts Editor
As the flag-bearer of action-adventure, Tom Cruise takes science-fiction action to a whole new level in the film “Edge of Tomorrow,” delivering one of his best performances and complemented by a thoroughly distinctive narrative and premise.
“Edge of Tomorrow,” directed by Doug Liman, combines brilliant visuals and inspiring acting with a creative plot, resulting in one of the most exciting sci-fi films to come around.
The film is set in a near future where Earth is suddenly attacked by an alien race that thwarts all human efforts to defeat it. Major William Cage (Tom Cruise), a smooth talking army public relations expert, is unexpectedly sent into battle without any previous fighting experience and immediately dies in a massive D-Day-like invasion.
Immediately after, Cage is inexplicably resurrected at the beginning of the day just prior to the assault. This begins a mysterious time-loop that resets every time he dies. Cage increases his skills with the help of Special Forces Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), utilizing trial-and-error to overcome the aliens.
The film’s creative plot is the defining factor in “Edge of Tomorrow” that makes it so memorable. The premise is entirely new to the action genre, allowing viewers to be fully engaged in such an original format. However, the appeal does not stop there, as the many unexpected twists and turns along the way keep the story fresh.
However, “Edge of Tomorrow” goes beyond an intriuging story with thrills that rival any other major blockbuster. The Normandy-esque assault is enthralling thanks to the constant destruction of octopus-like aliens and futuristic robot suits tearing one another apart, with the vast shots of the battlefield creating an intimidating sense of magnitude. As a result, the film never falters in exhilaration.
As Cage, Cruise not only succeeds in making his character relatable through his struggles to overcome adversity, but he also offers an impressive performance filled with intensity and emotion.
As an inexperienced fighter, he must train to become strong enough to fight his enemies, causing the audience to be sympathetic of his relatable mistakes, while providing comedic stunts. His performance is powerful, as his emotional turmoil in the character’s setbacks prove believable.
In addition to Cruise, Blunt’s portrayal of Vrataski as an experienced soldier adds to the intensity of the film. Blunt demonstrates Vrataski’s toughness and intelligence through her stubbornness and military prowess. Cruise and Blunt’s chemistry during the action makes the audience have compassion for the characters and their genuine relationship.
Unfortunately, as the film shows different angles of the same scenes and dialogue, the repetition becomes slightly boring, serving as the only weakness of the film. After Cage dies, the process of getting to a new plot point begins to feel hopelessly long.
Despite this drawback, “Edge of Tomorrow” provides a memorable experience that contains intensity and brilliant acting, both backed by a fantastic script, adding another distinguished film under Cruise’s belt.
“Edge of Tomorrow” is rated PG-13 and now playing in theaters nationwide.
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