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Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) of the U.S. army is unwillingly thrust into combat against an unbeatable alien race that holds the ability to reset time; an alien weapon developed to exploit and learn the weaknesses of its enemy, in this case the human race. But when pure luck lands Cage in a time loop reliving the day’s events, the battle appears to have shifted and the only person who understands him is Rita (Emily Blunt), a soldier experienced and aware of the time looping phenomenon. Working together the two will have to combine intellect and brawn to outlive, outsmart, and outgun the alien race, that is unless time somehow runs out. With minimal delving into quantum physics and string theory director Doug Liman has managed to sell a bill of goods that actually delivers as promised, smart writing, crisp acting, solid action and believe it or not some actual use of the 3D technology in IMAX nuttiness. And, for those perhaps a little disenchanted with Cruise’s always “so cocky alpha male” approach, a breath of fresh air; Emily Blunt continues to be the golden child of acting and can practically do no wrong– again. Big effects, big explosions, big score, big production, this one deserves to be seen on the big screen. This is what summertime popcorn chompers are all about. Edge of Tomorrow is rated PG-13.

Having survived cancer only to be left with severely impaired lungs, Hazel (Shailene Woodley) is an otherwise typical teenage girl, hopeful of love, looking for meaning in her own life, yet also cautious of who she lets in to her sideways world. But, when a cancer support group brings Gus (Ansel Elgort) into Hazel’s universe the two strike an immediate golden chord. Both living on what feels like borrowed time the two realize a star that burns twice as bright burns out twice as fast, but love is king and the lessons the two are able to impart with each other are life changing. Will either live to see their 21st birthday? Based on the wildly popular teen novel, director Josh Boone has constructed this precocious but believable world with a finesse that puts the film in a strange and beautiful but also unfortunate category; a film that begs and deserves to be seen but unfortunately is pitted against such blockbuster monsters it will likely have a hard time drawing the public’s attention for its bittersweet content. Still performances all round are solid, and the story’s weak spots are easily glossed over as the overall charm and wit keeps the levity alive just long enough to carry us from one peak to one valley just as life brings us ups and downs. Worth the time on your dance card for the drama/romance/comedy category. The Fault in Our Stars is rated PG-13.