Edge of Tomorrow

[davewatts001]

The BFI IMAX approach is an awkward, restricted space for a well attended premiere, and when I arrived a little before 6.00 this morning I, and dozens of others coming from the Waterloo end and waving SFF vouchers, were forced to line up in one of the tunnels by event security staff who clearly hadn't been briefed about the SFF contingent and who were understandably concerned for public safety as everyone blocked the gangway, stopping the caterers and photographers getting through and causing something of a crush.

Sometime after 6.20 someone from SFF turned up and said the viewing area was full (it was heaving) and pointed out that per the T&Cs last admission was 6.20 am. This clearly didn't go down well with the 100+ queuing as directed in the tunnel from well before that time. SFF said that the vouchers would still be valid for the nft screening (which is all we were ever entitled to other than the supposed red carpet access), which was at 9.15 am, so a lot of time to kill in the rain for those waiting, some of whom had young kids with them.

So a poor reflection on SFF overall, especially as many (including myself) had won a competition rather than just grabbed vouchers via SFF codes.

Although many gave up at this point I simply wandered back down to the viewing pen in front of the IMAX entrance and edged my way in (without ever showing anyone my voucher or getting a wristband). A good spot for the next couple of hours as it turned out, as Tom, who turned up at 6.45, spent a good 30 minutes in my immediate vicinity, and the whole 2 hours pressing flesh and doing photos, phone calls and interviews.

And then onto the nft, which was packed (and possibly oversubscribed, I couldn't tell). This was a 2D screening, unlike the 3D screening at the IMAX.

Really enjoyed the film. You can just imagine the pitch line - Groundhog Day meets Starship Troopers - but it was so much better than that suggests. Tom (and yes, I also thought when I saw him up close this morning that he is slowly morphing into Pierce Brosnan) was great, but equally good to see Emily Blunt's (reasonably) well written character, with shades of The Terminator's Sarah Connor, runs rings round him for most of the movie. Some stunning battle sequences a la Saving Private Ryan including some beautifully rendered CGI. Clever editing dovetails well with a smart and surprisingly funny script (there are a number of very effective quick fire jokes centering on the time loop aspect of the plot). And the end coda, although arguably at odds with the inherent logic of what has gone before, at least ties things up nicely.

One of the best, or at least technically accomplished and entertaining, films of the year so far in my book.

Dave Watts

[prettyxcool]

aah, thanks for explaining, davewatts01. So there was a 2D screening at NFT. What a shambles then at BFI. I hope everyone affected has complained in their feedback to SFF.

Well done for getting into the pen. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, the security was rifed and would not let anyone else into the pen saying it was VIP only, and even if I did, I was too short to see anything! So good one, davewatts01.

[nickchanel]

There were 2 separate screenings. I got tix from Showfilmfirst that got me into the pens in front of the IMAX, and saw all the red carpet action, got the handshake and chat/photo with Tom, but were then directed to NFT1 for the screening, rather than the IMAX itself.

Saw this at the BFI/IMAX/NFT. Entertaining but with some plot holes etc. which was a bit surprising given Chris McQuarrie's involvement. Shame it wasn't a 3D screening.

Were we at the same screening? Not 3D? You obviously did not think much of the 3D

We were given these huge oversized 3D glasses which sat flat against your faces with no curve. Was not sure if it was the glasses or the 3D but if you tilted your head, or not looked dead straight, the film was blurred, so you had to sit really upright and as it was a lot of fast action, I got motion sickness!

[claire]

Just had a call from my very very happy little nephew. He just met Tom cruise. And now very excited for the film later.

You will definitely be his favourite aunt! It was worth getting out of bed so early for your nephew!

Fab! So glad he got in, since so many people seemed to have been turned away. The cinema was indeed packed.

Thanks and yes I'm his cool auntie he told his mum lol.
He was well chuffed.

[valda]

I got there about 6.50 after a couple of hours sleep, only to be told that the doors were now opening about 7.45 (more like 8.00 ) We were under the tunnels but sadly the bit that I was in, had a leak so I was dripped on for an hour.There was a big black screen up in front of us so we couldn't see anything, and all we heard was the cheers, and a very annoying man screaming out names randomly every minute or so. I was glad when PxC and ritamistry came along so I had someone to talk to.

Fantastic Champagne Breakfast provided. I was very restrained, a Bacon Butty, a Veggie Butty, Croissant and Danish. Oh and 4 or 5 bucks Fizz, followed rapidly by 2 coffees I had to laugh at the giant can of Energy drink on the seats though.

I enjoyed the film, but have to admit I was a bit tipsy and very tired so kept on resting my eyes and drifted off a few times. Lots of frantic action which my befuddled brain couldn't keep up with, and a good looking lead pair who had good chemistry. I wish I was buff like Emily, my dream body shape there. I didn't really understand the ending though.

I must go see it again when I'm not so tired.

8/10

Re autographs, a lot of the ones with big folders tend to be professional autograph hunters who sell them on Ebay after copying a few times

[scootermcc]

One of the few films recently that I would go and see again.

Here's my review: www.cinemabang.com

[sikmansam]

Thoroughly enjoyed this despite not really understanding some of the plot points, and it's definitely up there with Bourne Identity as one of Doug Liman's best action films.

8/10

My review:

[stuartboy]

Saw this again tonight - down wif da students.
Have to say that on a second viewing this is even better than before. (Nothing to do with the yawn that was Grace of Kelly earlier this evening).
First time around, as soon as it became obvious that it was looping, it became a little tedious as it continuously rewinded, but knowing this in advance it was possible to appreciate the details and realise that very clever editing minimised the amout of repeat.
Doesn't lose anything in 2D either. Just as action-pact and exciting.

Am upping my rating to 9/10.

A damn good film.

[andrew.falconer]

Saw this last night in Leicester Square and as a big sci-fi fan I must say that Avisute and myself loved this film. Thought it was well acted, the action sequences were fantastic, the effects amazing...loved it. 9/10

[weliveandbreathewords]

Looking forward to seeing this tonight :))))