I Don't Get It

I don't understand why 'Edge of Tomorrow' isn't getting more traction. Footage by Dion Beebe (Collateral, Chicago) looks great. Director Doug Liman's stamp is evident. There's a strong sense of character -- the story seems to have a spine. And, the chemistry between Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt is fairly palpable.

So, why don't people care? I'm going out on a limb. I think we're wary of any movie that looks this good, especially if it opens in the summer. That's it. That's my theory. We get so much glossy crappy product shoved down our throats that, when we see something that looks good, we figure there's a catch.

To boil it down: If it looks good it must be because it's crap, but since they spent so much money on the marketing, it looks great.

So, what happens now? Simple. The first people who see 'Edge of Tomorrow' Tweet/text/blog -- whatever -- how good it is, and by Monday morning the movie will have raked at the box office.

That might be a little out on a limb as well. Still, I'm betting this does well internationally, if not domestically. And, that's all that counts anymore.

Meanwhile, here's the last trailer and, really, it pretty much rocks. To me, this is must-see.

I Totally Don't Get It, But That's A Good Thing

Okay, yeah, the basic premise I get, and it's a good one. Worth remembering this is written by (with Jez Butterworth) Christopher McQuarrie, who created one of the all time favorite identity twist yarns, 'The Usual Suspects'. The same kind of vibe here, not to put too fine a point on it.

With effortless technical polish from Doug Liman and cinematographer Dion Beebe (Collateral, Green Lantern).

Have to say, though I've never been a fan, Tom Cruise is watchable and more -- even compelling, having reached a certain age. Chemistry between him and Emily Blunt works. I think we're in Cruise phase 2.0.

So, despite (perhaps because of) not being able to nail down plot specifics too well (and glad for it considering how much trailers give away these days) I'm very much looking forward to this flick. Will buy on Blu-Ray, will watch every once in a while.