A lot better than you might think—-or, at least, better than I might think since this film made my “Least Anticipated Movies of the Summer” list. Something about it just looked like one more generic sci-fi blockbuster about invading aliens, and not all that different from last year’s generic sci-fi blockbuster about invading aliens starring Tom Cruise called “Oblivion.” Well, it’s a lot better than Oblivion, and a good example of how having a little personality in your tentpole pictures can go a long way.
What Works: The major ace up this film’s sleeve is a red-hot Emily Blunt. The female leads in a (post-Nicole Kidman era) Tom Cruise movie aren’t usually very…let’s be kind and say “memorable” but Blunt is playing a character who is, for once, just as essential to the plot as he is, and even more of a bad ass. He desperately seeks her help early on, and they are a true team. Blunt looks the best she ever has—-who knew she could pull off a muscular look?—-and even manages to generate some real sparks with the usually guarded Cruise.
And the Groundhog Day-meets-Aliens plot is just inventive enough to keep you entertained along the way. Strangely, Edge of Tomorrow is just as successful as a comedy as it is a straight-up action movie.
What Doesn’t: Except for Bill Paxton, the supporting cast doesn’t leave much of an impression, and you’ll wonder why a General played by Brendan Gleeson is so unbelievably stubborn and unreasonable. How could a man this ignorant be leading the charge against such an unusual threat like aliens? It’s true that he pretty much sets the plot in motion with his asshole-ishness but I still wish there was a less frustrating side to him.
What I Would Have Done Differently: So many blockbusters fail at one genre, but here’s one that is better-than-decent at sci-fi, romance, action, and comedy. Go see it.