Here's a blockbuster that few expected to go down a treat with critics, yet Edge of Tomorrow ended up being one of the best-reviewed and most entertaining films of the summer. Sadly, a lackluster marketing campaign resulted in disappointing box office returns, and the movie being curiously re-branded as "Live. Die. Repeat" for the Blu-ray release. Still, on its own terms, Doug Liman's adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazakas novel All You Need Is Kill is a thrilling cross between Groundhog Day and Aliens, a militaristic bug hunt with a time loop gimmick. Perhaps what's most surprising about the film is just how hilarious it is: Liman smartly makes fun of the movie's central conceit, and the banter between leads Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt is tremendously enjoyable to behold. With super-sharp editing and excellent visual effects, Edge of Tomorrow is a thrilling, unexpectedly fun sci-fi actioner which deserves a far better fate than its mediocre box office showing. One can only hope the strong word-of-mouth will make it a home video smash, even if the strange re-titling might ultimately work against it.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
