My favorite film for 2014 so far, this movie packs a punch! It's clever, fast-paced, well executed and even funny at times. I haven't been much of a fan of Tom Cruise as of late, just kind of burnt out on him, but he handles this material well. Emily Blunt does a great job and even Bill Paxton shines. The story is great and the action scenes actually had me on the edge of my seat, rather than numbing my brain with an overload of CG imagery. As the film goes on the characters get a little farther along each time, much like playing a video game and getting better as you go. It's a fun style that never really gets old because of the great directing. Much like the film this one is being compared to, Groundhog Day, it could've gotten old fast, but the filmmakers make just the right adjustments right before you get tired of something to make it fun again. Will watch again. And again.

4.5 Stars (out of 5)