Edge of Tomorrow - 3 1/2 smiles

“Edge of Tomorrow” is a version of Groundhog Day, where the central character must relive a specific day and in doing so, becomes a better man, or, in this case, becomes a better warrior and a better man. And because the script is good and the two leads effective, “Edge of Tomorrow” offers a satisfying cinematic experience. The movie uses a faux news montage to set up the story. Earth has been invaded by extra-terrestrials dubbed ‘mimics’ and all of Europe is in enemy hands. After losing battle after battle, the United Defense Forces have finally scored a victory at Verdun. Emboldened by the army’s success, General Brigham (Brendan Gleeson) has decided on an all-out assault led by war hero and media darling, Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt). To ‘sell’ the attack to the populace, Brigham enlists the talents of army publicist Major William Cage (Tom Cruise), who he intends to send to the front lines with a camera crew. Cage, unwilling to put his life on the line, refuses the direct order and ends up being busted in rank on trumped up charges, thrown into an infantry unit and sent into the thick of the fighting. When set upon by a member of a special mimic subspecies, Cage uses an explosive to destroy the creature. In the process, he kills himself … then awakens back at the beginning of his ordeal and has to endure the entire day another time. He dies again, is reborn again and the cycle persists. Each time Cage is able to use his memories of the battle to survive longer, until he eventually contacts Rita and learns that she knows something about his situation.

To keep the audience from getting bored watching the same scene over and over, director Doug Liman borrows some of the tricks from Groundhog Day – showing just enough of a scene to make it clear we’re in another iteration of the loop, then skipping ahead to the point when things start to change. The main thrust of the movie focuses on Cage’s use of his immortality/time-reset ability to locate the aliens’ brain and find a way to win the war. In addition, the relationship between Cage and Rita develops, but more on his part because each time they meet, her interaction with Cage is reset. She doesn’t know him, but he becomes familiar with her to the point where he develops deep feelings. And you see the gradual development of Cage from callow, self-serving wimp to all-out action hero, illustrating Cruise’s depth as an actor. The one in a different situation is Emily Blunt, whose kick-ass interpretation of Rita recalls Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley and Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor. She is credible as the Hero of Verdun. “Edge of Tomorrow” offers plenty of action that never becomes repetitive. It’s definitely a fun summer popcorn movie. 6/6/14