Edge of Tomorrow - B

Rated PG-13, 113 minutes

"Edge of Tomorrow" a dizzying sci-fi thriller with Cruise back in fine form

The new Tom Cruise science-fiction action thriller "Edge of Tomorrow" will have you on the edge of your seat with a dizzying array of special-effects and fast-paced action, though it's essentially a futuristic "Groundhog Day" with a mix of "Aliens" minus Bill Murray. Set in the near future with a massive, worldwide alient assault as the backdrop, Cruise is Major William Cage, who is sent on a suicide mission but ends up in a terrifying time-loop, living and dying each day in the same brutal combat. Cage realizes he can use his special powers working along side Special Forces warrior Rita Vrtraski (Emily Blunt) in the ultimate mission to defeat the enemy. Based on the Japanese light science-fiction novel "All You Need Is Kill" by Hiroshi Sakurazaka (which is a much better title than the vague "Edge of Tomorrow") and directed by Doug Liman ("The Bourne Identity"), the intense, entertaining "Edge of Tomorrow" has Cruise back in better, less-annoying form, which usually means it's spy or sci-fi. Co-written by Oscar-winner Christopher McQuarrie ("The Usual Suspects"), the advantage with "Edge of Tomorrow" is that the story and visuals take center stage and Cruise is less earnest than usual, not to mention he's placed alongside the lovely, always charming Blunt, who usually makes most things better. The busy script, fashioned in a "Groundhog Day"-ish way, particularly in its initial chapters, has some plot inconsistencies as far as the time loop is concerned, but you can overlook those once the movie unfolds and really gets going in the second act, though for a film Rated PG-13, there are some rather intense and violent scenes. In reference to Cameron's aforementioned "Aliens," it's also nice having around Bill Paxton for comic measure in a cheeky, fun supporting part as a Southern-talking commander, though those nasty, nasty aliens, who look like calamari on an acid trip, steal the movie from Cruise and company. Even if you're not a fan of Cruise, "Edge of Tomorrow" is still an enjoyable, sci-fi action flick with some fun visuals and Paxton thrown in for good measure. An intense ride worth a look this weekend.

Wes's Grade: B