Tom Cruise plays a cowardly US army officer who is forced into combat in Edge of Tomorrow. Warner Bros Pictures / AP Photo
Tom Cruise plays a cowardly US army officer who is forced into combat in Edge of Tomorrow. Warner Bros Pictures / AP Photo

Film review: Edge of Tomorrow



Director: Doug Liman

Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Noah Taylor

Four stars

Tom Cruise has made some lame movies recently, but this futuristic action thriller is his smartest choice in years. Based on a Japanese sci-fi novel, Edge of Tomorrow blasts along on a twist-heavy plot that nods to Saving Private Ryan, Aliens and Groundhog Day. Cruise plays nicely against type as William Cage, a clumsy and cowardly US army officer forced into combat when British-American forces launch a counter-attack against extraterrestrial invaders who have devastated mainland Europe. Cage is killed in action, only to wake up to the day before, reliving the spectacular battle again and again. After dying dozens of times, Cage and the warrior queen Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) finally figure out the aliens have the power to reset time. This brainy, action blockbuster is gritty, witty and visually dazzling.

RESULTS
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The biog

Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”