Minority Report


Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Max Von Sydow, Samantha Morton, Peter Stormare, Tim Blake Nelson
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: In the not-too distant future, crime has been virtually eliminated by the PreCrime Unit, which enlists the abilities of the "Precogs," certain individuals that can see the future. The team's captain (Tom Cruise) is also the biggest advocate of the infallibility of PreCrime- that is, until he himself is implicated as a future murderer. Now, he is in a race against time to prove he is innocent- but in doing so, he would also prove that PreCrime as a system doesn't work. Based on the short story by Philip K. Dick.

Review:

Tim: Minority Report is a very good film. Steven Spielberg knows exactly how to mix the wonder of the future with the more terrifying aspects that come with advanced technology. The last time he perfectly balanced awe and terror, he came up with the hit, Jurassic Park. He hits that perfect balance once again here.

Tom Cruise is a very good action hero in general (for the most part), and is a good fit here. He is embraces both the physicality needed for the role, as well as seeming believable on the intelligence level needed to succeed in this performance.

Colin Farrell has a small role, but his talent isn't used at all in this film. On his part, it was really just a career-focused move (getting to work with Spielberg and Cruise on the same film will do that for you). To be fair, he had not hit superstar status at the time of the filming. However, he still makes for a very strong supporting actor.

I found the science behind the film fascinating. It is so interesting to contemplate how mindreaders could change the foundation of police business. Precognitive police officers... the concept is amazing to consider. In a brilliant move, Spielberg doesn't get too caught up in the science. He focuses on telling a very personable and emotional story. One of his greatest strengths is his character development, even against a backdrop involving so much scientific and philosophical questions. He creates a layered yet entertaining film once again.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, Mission: Impossible 2, E.T., A.I.: Artifical Intelligence