Directed by Doug Liman, 2014
Pros: some great action sequences, excellent special effects, interesting concept and characters
Cons: plot issues
Five years ago an asteroid carrying an alien life form hit Earth. Humans have faced defeat at all but one battle since then, at Verdun. Now the army has a major offensive planned that will end the war. Major Cage (Tom Cruise) is a smooth talking publicity liaison for the army who’s never seen battle. But a bad decision lands him in the front lines of the offensive, of what for him is a suicide mission. When he’s killed he unexpectedly wakes up at the start of his personal nightmare, about to repeat the day.
This is an adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s All You Need is Kill. While time travel loops are pretty common in SF, it’s done very well here. You’re given enough repetition to know what’s going on but not enough for it to be irritating. At times you’re not sure if it’s Cage’s first or 100th time doing each scenario.
The special effects are top notch and there are a number of great action sequences. The aliens are fast and well designed. The characters are pretty interesting, with a male and female leads. Emily Brunt does a great job as Cage’s trainer, while seeing Cage’s transformation from cowardly, untrained prick to badass is both realistic and often gut-wrenching.
The plot's got some issues, but honestly, what movie doesn't. Turn off parts of your brain, sit back and enjoy the ride.
The plot's got some issues, but honestly, what movie doesn't. Turn off parts of your brain, sit back and enjoy the ride.
The film really made me want to read the book.
I thought this one was great fun, more so than I had expected going in. I wasn't expecting the humor to be as present as it was, and I thought it worked well within the overall story. I've watched it once on blu ray since seeing it in the theater and I enjoyed the second viewing.
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