Review of Edge of Tomorrow (2014) by Tyler F — 20 Feb 2015

This was totally unexpected. Nothing less than an awesome film. The title, the TV ads, the cast (except for Blunt), the vibe - these all pointed me and many others to expect nothing special at all. But the great script, great story taken from the novel, incredible computer graphics, great directing, and great acting from everyone made for a terrific film.

Don't get me wrong. It isn't "Saving Private Ryan" or anything. But it's funny, fast-paced, exciting, original. Cruise's performance is better than I thought he could do. Brendan Gleeson and Bill Paxton are great.

Blunt is a smokingly sexy soldier, gentle by nature but tough by necessity at the same time, with subtle vulnerability and true valiance that makes you cheer for her. Highly recommended. It shows how important the "packaging" is to deliver a film to the public.

A limp title, confusing marketing, and a public confused about what to think of Tom Cruise these days led to mediocre box office results in the US. Overseas, where Cruise's name still has star status, made for excellent box office returns.

But this movie showed that he can act, he can do his own truly difficult stunts with youthful vigor, and he can handle the weight of a big budget action film with style.