Edge of Tomorrow (2014) User Reviews

Clever, intense Sci-Fi spectacle; offers nearly as much humor as it does excitement along with a great, unexpected turn from Tom Cruise

[gogoschka-1 · 9/10 · 27 May 2014]

Wow - this was unexpected. The trailers had me believe that after 'Battle L.A.' and 'Oblivion' this would be yet another bleak, action- packed, special effects driven Sci-Fi blockbuster about an alien invasion - what the trailers failed to convey almost entirely is that over long stretches, this is also seasoned with nearly as much humor as 'Groundhog Day'. That it would invite comparisons with the Harold Ramis/ Bill Murray classic was obvious, given the time loop premise, but I never expected to what extent those comparisons would actually be justified and that this film would really tap into a similar kind of comedy. Luckily, it is all the better for it.

Most unexpected of all, the main reason the comical aspects during the first half of the film work so well, is Tom Cruise's character, Major William Cage. This is easily Cruise's meatiest role since his turn in 'Magnolia' as Frank T.J. Mackey; forget his usual stern, poster boy heroes: here he plays an entirely different character – and he really seems to relish the opportunity. I won't give away too much, but be prepared to chuckle and laugh when you see a new side of Tom Cruise.

Yet while this is not nearly as bleak as the trailers suggested, it certainly isn't a comedy either. And it absolutely IS an action-packed, special effects driven Sci-Fi blockbuster about battling an alien invasion (the trailers got that right), albeit one with a funny bone and great characters. Speaking of which, the rest of the cast is also very good, especially the gorgeous Emily Blunt. It seems that no matter what she does, she always comes across as genuine and real; here she succeeds in portraying her character - a tough, seasoned soldier other soldiers refer to as "full metal bitch" (no kidding!) - with just the right touch of vulnerability to make her that much more believable. Bill Paxton and Brendon Gleeson are always a welcome addition to any movie, and while they are great (as usual), character-wise, they don't do anything here that you haven't seen them do before.

As for the Sci-Fi spectacle that the trailers promised, I'm glad to report that the film delivers. The battle scenes are beautifully orchestrated (not the Transformer-style blur where you can't make out anything anymore), and there are moments when the intensity of the fighting recalls the landing on Omaha Beach in 'Saving Private Ryan' - without the gore, obviously (after all, this is PG-13). The design of the aliens - the production design in general - is incredibly well done, although I would lie if I said it was something ground-breaking and new the way the first 'Matrix' was (it IS breathtaking, though).

So my verdict: With one of the most inventive (adapted) scripts for an original (mega-budget) film in a long time and the best Tom Cruise we've seen in years, 'Edge of Tomorrow' will have you chuckle and laugh nearly as much as drop your jaw in awe: this is what Hollywood should take as a blueprint for exciting summer entertainment henceforth. 9 stars out of 10.

Favorite Films: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054200841/

Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/

Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/

Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/

Wht do you want? A good movie? A spectacular movie? An Exceptional movie? You're reading the review of one

[pawanpunjabithewriter · 9/10 · 20 June 2021]

I was enjoying my Sunday evening watching the World Test Championship Final against India and New Zealand until the dark clouds hovered at the sky in Southampton and stopped the play. I switched to Netflix, searched for a movie and played one, however, eventually I was going to go back watching Cricket once it started. Guess what? I never did until I ended. Cricket runs through my blood. My two most favourite teams were at the cricket ground facing each other for the ultimate battle of the World Championship with millions of people supporting both. I was so mesmerized in the movie, I hardly checked out the score. Edge of Tomorrow took me to such an edge of my seat for long I farted almost a hundred times unknowingly. (It's quite a deal-breaker if you're planning to watch a movie with me.) I was profoundly engaged in it for what's going to come. Even good movies have several dull moments, I could hardly figure out one in this movie. Although the first few minutes got me thinking why are they trying to mix The US Army with The UK. This movie has almost everything in it. A package full of entertainment including Action, Sci-fi, adventure and a little bit of comedy whenever they got a chance to add some. The actors were amazing. Tom Cruise and Emily Brunt were so good can't expect better. The others didn't really have much to do with all the limelight shared between the two of them, however, at the end all came out remarkable. Special effects could have been better largely, considering it was a high-budget movie. Also, one thing which could be elaborated more was about the antagonist. I feel their side should have been shown a little.

Truthfully, we humans are always curious to know more about them. All that was focused on were the two protagonists. This is not just a one-time watch movie, can keep watching it over years.

Hoped for a good movie .. got an amazing one instead (No Spoiler)

[Jonas8989 · 9/10 · 30 May 2014]

After watching the trailer i was really hyped about the movie because of its theme and potential to be a really good movie. But on the other side i knew how bad the most potential good movies in the past ended up. I was scared that they screw it up and give us another Oblivion or Ilisium with much cgi-effects and bad story and no real story and/or characters.

So i took my girlfriend and went in the movie with mixed feelings. But then, right from the beginning, i knew this movie would be fantastic. The first minutes really hooked me and i found myself in a funny, filled with perfect action and intelligent movie. You had the feeling like you were directly in it and you really feel with Tom Cruise from the beginning to the end. I don't like Tom Cruise in general but this role just fits him. Nobody who sees this movie could deny this. From minute to minute i was more and more in this fantastic story and wanted to last forever. But eventually the movie ended and i was really satisfied with everything.

Two main characters who played perfectly, a fascinating story well told and really fast and good looking action made it for me the best movie i watched in a while (and i watch pretty much movies). Even though i don't like to recommend movies because of different tastes I really want to do this with this movie. The story is well told and there are no boring repeatings. Even my girlfriend who normally don't like movies with much action liked it a lot and added Emily Blunt to one of her favorite actresses of all time.

Oh well, 10/10

What a Fantastic Movie!

[somersetboy · 10/10 · 10 July 2016]

Superb! I rarely get to go to a movie with my older son after his siblings came along. We did manage to go to this movie in the cinemas. Not only were we glad we chose this movie to watch, but two years later, we still recall the impact this movie had on both of us.

This science fiction story is deeply satisfying. The movie treats the viewers as intelligent people. It is not in the same league of a plethora of science fiction movies that hit the cinemas every year. For example this year we have Independence Day 2, a high budget sequel to a high budget b-movie from a long time ago. It is profoundly forgettable. That is in stark contrast to Edge of Tomorrow, which has stayed with me for so long and today motivated me to come here on IMDb to write a review after two years!

This movie is a must watch. Thanks for reading.

Witty and thrilling summer blockbuster with Tom Cruise in top form

[GrassCrown · 10/10 · 28 May 2014]

You could describe this movie as a dizzying combination of Groundhog Day, Starship Troopers, Source Code and The Butterfly Effect. Edge of Tomorrow borrows from these films and while some of the individual ideas may not therefore be groundbreakingly original, the way they're combined and put to use in Edge of Tomorrow by director Doug Liman certainly is. As aliens have invaded Earth, humanity's only hope lies in a cowardly PR officer Bill Cage (played by Tom Cruise) with no combat skills who is sent to the front lines. His only advantage? A save point, sort of. Are you excited yet? You should be. I don't want to tell you more specifics about the plot because it's best to experience and discover this great piece of work yourself.

You have to love Tom Cruise as an actor, he always gives his roles a 100 percent and he's phenomenal in Edge of Tomorrow - Physical, funny and determined. I'd say this is his best performance since Collateral. Emily Blunt is fantastically badass as the poster girl of the war, Rita Vrataski. This is her first real action film and she knocks it out of the park. Cruise and Blunt also have great chemistry together. Bill Paxton and Brandon Gleeson give great supporting performances and most of the supporting soldiers have distinct personalities even with their limited screen times.

Edge of Tomorrow's world building is slick and credible. The CGI and the special effects are seamless and bring the great set pieces and the relentless aliens to life. The action is really exhilarating (the cool exoskeleton suits definitely help here) and the script is very witty and inventive as it needs to be when you're dealing with time travel (or time resets if you will). Despite its action thrills Edge of Tomorrow finds plenty of room for character development both for Cruise and Blunt. The script also manages to pull off some quite funny scenes (especially in the training segment). I also have to mention James Herbert's snappy editing because it's that good. The the situations could get old really fast if it wasn't for the fast-paced editing that concisely and freshly shows the differences in each repetition Cruise goes through. The pacing is absolutely relentless and there isn't a boring moment in the film.

The tone of the film is pretty much perfect for a summer blockbuster. It's not overly morose or gloomy despite the backdrop of an alien invasion. Instead it opts for wit, fun and action thrills. I was really gripped from start to finish and I had this big grin on my face when I left the theater. I really liked the other recent blockbusters in Godzilla and X-Men: Days of Future Past but Edge of Tomorrow surpasses them both. If only every summer blockbuster was such good fun.

Brilliant Film, one of my personal favorites

[aidanratesmovies · 10/10 · 2 February 2021]

It's hard to compromise how a film of such similar plot development to Groundhog Day can be considered to be such a great action movie, but like the events in this film, you just have to see it to believe it. Edge of Tomorrow is honestly my favorite Tom Cruise movie, and when you have such a great track record like Cruise, that's really saying something. The film is phenomenal, as with Groundhog Day it follows a similar plot, but it certainly has a different way at going at the themes it develops. Cruise and Blunt make a terrific pair in this action/sci-fi/thriller and the film is nothing short of brilliant. The special effects are mesmerizing, the look of the film daunting, and yet nostalgic and fully realized. I love the development of the world we find our characters in, and all the aliens it involves. I love nearly every aspect of this film, and although on the surface it may not seem original, it certainly feels that way. In the end, Edge of Tomorrow is a must see action flick that will have audiences on the edge of their seats, and is a must see for any Sci-=fi or Cruise fan in general. My Rating: 10/10

A Summer Blockbuster Not To Be Missed

[CalRhys · 22 June 2014]

One of the most ingenious film concepts ever created, a cross between 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Groundhog Day', 'Edge of Tomorrow' is a gripping and clever blockbuster sci-fi thrill-ride accompanied with taut, fast-paced action and compelling direction. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt form a perfect chemistry that takes them from the training ground, to the battlefield through to the action-bound finale in Paris. The premise of the time-loop has been used many times before, but this time round there are enough exciting visuals and dynamic storytelling skills employed to make this one thrilling (and unexpectedly comedic) flick that is unpredictable and expertly designed. A model of cinematic craftsmanship.

Edge of Tomorrow is a fantastic action movie based on the "Groundhog Day" concept

[eva3si0n · 6/10 · 8 October 2023]

Edge of Tomorrow is a fantastic action movie based on the "Groundhog Day" concept. A good cast here contrasts with the mediocre plot, which basically uses the concept of repeating the same day over and over again. It was possible to make an excellent plot from this story, but in place of this the viewer gets the same shots most of the film. The same Source Code implements it much better. What else can you say about Edge of Tomorrow? If you put aside the plot, it's a good fantastic action movie, there are beautiful large-scale action scenes, the main thing is not to include logic when watching them. If you consider Edge of Tomorrow as a whole as a movie, it's not bad. It will go for a one-time viewing, you'll forget the next day. But in Edge of Tomorrow you can really feel the undiscovered potential. It's like they wanted to make a sequel and put all the best for it. But there's no sequel.

BETTER than I was expecting!

[knyffeler · 10/10 · 9 June 2014]

I saw the trailer of this, but was expecting another campy "Independence Day" trying to be too funny, "War of the Worlds" that tried to be too serious or "District 9" that was FX for FX sake. I probably would have not gone, but my date said her daughter saw it and loved it.

Wow, was I surprised! The characters make the movie. Cruise's less-than-perfect, frustrated but determined "Cage" quickly got me rooting for him. Emily Blunt's serious "Rita" was a great mirror image protagonist.

The special effects were so clean and well integrated that they didn't overpower the story or become center stage. Instead, they added to bringing in me into making the unreal premise more real.

In the end, this is probably the coolest sci-fi love story I have ever seen. It is nice to see that Hollywood can still produce something other than the formulaic trash that usually keeps me away from the theaters. Warner Brothers, thanks for putting $178 million on the table to make this!

Like Groundhog Day with guns

[Nokitron · 7/10 · 28 May 2014]

So Tom Cruise has been back again with the latest sci-fi, Edge of Tomorrow. After his great performance in Oblivion, he made it again in this comedy-filled tasty Twinkie. Not to say this film is all comedy,and there was too much action to categorize it as nice drama movie. What I was going to say is, this movie has all the movie needs to be enjoyable.

Private Cage is brought down to warfare against aliens, without reading "Exoskeleton Suit for Dummies" first. But oh my, he had this curse that Phil had in Punxsutawney that he had to die and respawn, and over and over and (over) again that he granted from an alien he killed.

I don't know, but apparently, the screenwriter was inspired by "Groundhog Day", which is a good thing. The pace really done well by describing Cage deals with time-loop. There are many possibilities of a man's mind could think to take advantage of a powerful curse, and I think they explore this well, just like Groundhog Day.

Good thing comes from the characters. They are lovable and some of them have great quotes. Emily Blunt really nailed the character of a hard-soldier that shared same fate with Cage in the past. She really balanced Tom Cruise's performance.

But enough exaggerating, shall I? There are minus-es too. Always. The first one is the lack of pre-invasion imaging of Earth(I am not really sure for this one, because I missed first five minutes of the movie). Damn, they should have made the detail about the mimic's purpose and maybe, a little twist in the credits that could open a gate for sequels (duh!). The second, well, I think there is no second minus.

Even it is not perfect, I believe they have exceeded the edge of making a sci-fi well-balanced, either from the storyline and action. Really worth to watch in cinema. And btw, forget Godzilla, the storyline sucks.(no h8 kaiju fans)

So re-watchable!

[jsbfraser · 8/10 · 4 July 2021]

Have I got something on my face! Between Emily's fearless performance and Paxton's hilarious sarcasm (GRHS) this film is so re-watchable. It's funny where it needs to be, scary in all the right places and keeps you engaged all the way through. Love it!

Tomorrow, you will forget "Edge of Tomorrow"

[KuroSawWhat · 5/10 · 28 May 2014]

If you've seen the trailers for "Edge of Tomorrow," you are familiar with the basic concept. Tom Cruise's character is sent into a battle against aliens and gains the ability to re-live that day every time he dies. This quick description covers approximately 90% of what you see in "Edge of Tomorrow."

As some kind of recruiting agent, the military decides that it's a good idea to dump Tom on the front lines because...um, well that's never explained (maybe this is why humanity is losing?). Quite a lot is not explained in this movie, but let's forget about that for now, and talk about what you're supposed to concentrate on: the explosions. Over and over again, we get to see Tom run through the battlefield with Blondie McSoldier, his somewhat romantic interest and mentor in this affair. They kill aliens, he dies, and then...they kill aliens some more.

Over and over and over and over, explosions, shooting and Tom dying. A couple of these deaths are done in a humorous way, but overall it becomes a tiresome mechanic that long overstays its welcome. Somewhere along the way, we're told how they might possibly beat the aliens by, you guessed it, explosions, shooting and dying. Also, with the deus ex machina that they eventually use, which could have been used at any point along the way, because the film has to end eventually.

I don't know what else there is to say about this movie. None of the characters are developed beyond "soldier," "girl," drill sergeant," "scientist," and the action becomes repetitious and boring about halfway through. To its credit, the aliens, mech armor, and battles all look very impressive. But with no background to the events, characters, or anything that's happening, I had a very difficult time becoming invested in any of it.

The "Groundhog Day" concept is not even the problem, as films such as "Source Code" have demonstrated. You can have action, repeating timelines, AND character development. "Edge of Tomorrow" falls into the usual Hollywood trap of simply throwing lots of CGI at the screen and hoping that it will be enough to carry the film. It's not. Audiences are more intelligent than this, and deserve better films.

Love, love this movie

[Dobie02 · 10/10 · 3 July 2021]

One of the best time travel and action movies. I can watch over and over again. Each time you watch you see something you missed in earlier viewings. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt have great chemistry. I love them both in this.

great sci-fi

[SnoopyStyle · 9/10 · 30 April 2015]

An alien race has invaded the Earth starting in Europe. After 5 years of relentless defeats where the Mimics seem to anticipate every move, the United Defense Force finally has a victory with the invention of a new jacket technology. Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) is hailed as an example of the new success. William Cage (Tom Cruise) is a military media officer. General Brigham (Brendan Gleeson) is sending him on the first wave to cover the expected victory. He is arrested and forced to fight under Master Sergeant Farell (Bill Paxton). He manages to kill a large Mimic. He is sprayed with its blood and dies. He wakes up the previous morning as a prisoner about to go into battle.

The action is fantastic. The idea is terrific. Tom Cruise starts as his arrogant stock character and transition into his superhero stock character. Emily Blunt continues to excel in a character reminiscent of her character in Looper. Everything comes together. This is funny and exciting. Doug Liman puts it all together into a great thrilling ride.

This year's most surprising blockbuster movie so far

[aldri-feb · 8/10 · 28 May 2014]

With thrilling action sequences, clever sense of humor and surprisingly intellectual storyline, "Edge of Tomorrow" shows a real deal of summer blockbuster movie and proves itself beyond expectation especially after unconvincing trailers. Perhaps the theme and alien character looks familiar with some popular sci-fi movies but it's still combined perfectly as an entertainment. Doug Liman as director smartly exploited 're-setting the day' aspect without making it complicated and escaping it from being dull with some quality combat moments also inserting lovable drama that is commanded by memorable chemistry from Tom Cruise and Emilly Blunt have carried whole scenes in it. Overall "Edge of Tomorrow" feels more satisfying than it might have been in any ways and shows how the non-sequel-reboot blockbuster movie should be done. It's definitely much fun than I have ever imagined and pleasurable to re-watch it over and over again.

a mixed result

[proud_luddite · 6/10 · 20 May 2019]

In the near future, aliens are taking over the planet Earth. A recently demoted military officer (Tom Cruise) is forced into a mission to fight against the aliens. After various failures and deaths, he is "reborn" at the point of joining the mission and this cycle is repeated with new knowledge.

Using this other-worldly plot device is often fun and fascinating. It's almost like the philosophy behind reincarnation - that we have to repeat the life-death cycle until we've learned all lessons. Treating the live-die-repeat cycle with humour is also enjoyable.

For an action film, the most enjoyment is expected to come from the film's conclusion and its build-up. Sadly, this film's climax is rather anti-climactic giving the movie an overall mixed result. - dbamateurcritic.

The people calling this movie "intelligent" are correct

[mikemx321 · 10/10 · 25 March 2018]

Read the negative reviews, the people calling this movie stupid etc. etc. obviously weren't able to fully understand what they were seeing. This is the risk filmmakers take when they don't assume the audience is going to have the mentality of a 10-year-old, but thankfully most of us don't need every little aspect explained in full.

This movie hits on every level, it's fast, witty, action packed, and presents depth in surprising places. If you don't have ADHD and can stay focused so you don't fall behind, and possess the ability to perceive without your hand being held and walked through a plot, you are most definitely going to like this movie. I personally give this a "10" because I consider Edge of Tomorrow one of the best films I've ever seen But even if it's not your exact cup of tea, it should at least be a 6 or 7.

Starship Troopers, meet Groundhog Day

[tindfoting · 7/10 · 4 May 2023]

I don't like Tom Cruise. I don't dislike him, either. I just don't care. He is Tom Cruise in every, single movie. But I love Emily Blunt, the Full Metal Bitch (says so on the bus). She is incredible badass here, and thouroughly inspired by various characters from Starship Troopers, with a spice of R. Lee Ermey on top. It's a really entertaining movie for 2/3, when Cage (Tom) is a spineless desk officer called out on duty to kill bugs. Which don't go very well. But hey, he at least gets killed by the RIGHT bug monster, and for REASONS he gets to experience to be Bill Murray, and gets killed a lot of times. This is the GOOD part of the movie. The BAD part is when he and Emily teams up to kill bugs (cause Cage can now remember everything that will happen), and the movies last 3rd turns into a version of the Fallout games combined with Independence Day. We have one shot at this, etc.... but until that flat ending, it's a real joy to finally watch Tom Cruise getting killed in funny ways. You can say it's a dream coming trough for me.

Tom Cruise trying to get past the last saving point

[chervenkov · 7/10 · 23 February 2022]

The parrallels with Groundhog Day are obvious to anyone who has seen that movie. As an avid video game enjoyer I couldn't see the film as anything else but leveling up a character, acquiring new skills and knowledge, exploring the posibilities of the enviroment. If you happen to misstep, you are back to square one, trying something else in hope to finish the quest.

Even Emily Blunt looks like she came from a video game, she fights the mimics with a sword?? That image of her on the passing bus looking badass, may as well be one of the characters in Tekken.

The movie is all about the two protagonists and their chemistry is undeniable. The mutual foundness they develop is touching. It's a science fiction film that certainly felt novel and distinctive.

Silly Storyline, A Boring Shoot Die Reboot Video Game

[priyadarshi-c · 4/10 · 20 June 2014]

This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen, It feels like a silly video game that you keep playing again n again till you are able to crack the problem. Time travel capacity lost due to Blood Transfusion!! Can't think of something sillier? Only the last 10-15 minutes was worth paying any money for. 3 D effect was good, but playing the same storyline on loop is the dumbest thing ever! I wonder how it got such great reviews in IMDb, which is otherwise quite reliable. The premise of the story itself is flawed, has no scientific basis and why on earth would Tom Cruise be starting over at the same point in Time? Does he have control over what time he can start over? How would the Brain retain any information if it is time traveling? Is the brain impervious to time? The Aliens looked so silly too, hardly looked the smart technological beings who can control time. The Armour of human soldiers looked impressive, but too heavy and clunky for practical use, but is realistic and portrays current state of the art research. The movie fails to generate any emotions or thrill. Just boring Shoot. Die. Reboot.

Impressive blockbuster

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 18 February 2019]

My expectations weren't high, the reality was quite surprising, this movie was if course action packed, was of course well acted, but much more then that it was an intelligent movie. I had expected a good old fashioned shooter em up movie, I didn't expect a movie that dealt with such clever themes, including recursion and continued death.

Tom Cruise is genuinely outstanding, in one of the best roles I've seen him in for some time. Amazing effects and production values, the direction quite superb.

Very funny throughout also, an all round blockbuster. 8/10

On your feet, Maggot!🤣🤣

[pkush-39313 · 8/10 · 15 September 2021]

Brilliant! Surely a great movie to watch. Recommend for SCI-FI genre lovers.

Why bother on originality when the execution is so well-handed?

[kshirad · 9/10 · 28 May 2014]

There are multiple plot strands from other films gathered into a union. I won't give you any hint but you'll get it when you see it. Nowadays, movies are short on originality. But, in this case, you won't give a thing about it.

Premise: An inexperience military officer was sent to war to fight an alien race invading the earth. In the middle of the battlefield, he got into an accident which causes him to go into time- loop that repeats each moment when he dies.

The basis of the plot looks familiar... That could be a big problem. On the contrary, it succeeded to provide a big summer blockbuster satisfaction. The pacing is perfect, the acting is perfect. Oh, and did i mention the effects? It was ragin'!

See this movie with low expectations (2D or 3D doesn't matter)...

Reprise

[bjornar-13327 · 7/10 · 5 September 2020]

Very good: Acting and Characters, Direction, Cinematography, Special Effects, Pace

Good: Plot, Themes and Tone, Score, Production Design, Editing

Fair: Dialogue

Poor: x

It;'s Groundhog's Day

[imuneak · 6/10 · 9 September 2014]

Take the 1993 classic Bill Murray flick and make the short furry guy the star minus the comedy and include lots of guns and you have Edge of Tomorrow. Interesting in theory except it completely throws the entire concept of linear time out the window with the 2nd or 3rd revival. If the actions of a single person do not change the outcome of everyone around them then this movie makes perfect sense. Why altering ones choices does not result in a completely different outcome is completely against the theory it is based on (but it is still entertaining to watch which is why it got a 6 instead of much lower). If looking for something intellectually stimulating this is not the answer. Want stuff that blows up and is loosely based off of sci-fi folk-lore this is the movie for you!!!