Edge of Tomorrow (AKA Live Die Repeat)
Dir: Doug Liman
2014
****
I've read that Edge of Tomorrow aka Live. Die. Repeat. (based on the cult novel/graphic novel; All you need is Kill) wasn't the commercial hit they had hoped it would be. It has since gained popularity in its DVD release and rightfully so. I think maybe people were put off by Tom Cruise. His last few sci-fi films haven't been great and the post-production publicity for the film was pretty bad in my opinion - the decision to pretty much change the title of the film between cinema and DVD release certainly didn't help. Shame really, as this is a great film. Sci-fi films are supposed to be intelligent, throw in as many lasers, Aliens and shiny metal props as you like but if it doesn't challenge you, it isn't good sci-fi. The story, direction and the performances - even though neither lead actor would have been my first choice - are all faultless. It's reminiscent of the better works of Phillip K. Dick, certainly better than most of his adapted stories to film. One of the best films of 2014 that people will realise in time.