Rating: Summary: After the misfire known as A.I., Spielberg is BACK! Review: I have always been a great fan of Steven Spielberg! I grew up with his films and I consider both Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan to be two of the best dramas ever produced. For the majority of the time, most of Spielberg's films are total masterpieces. (with the exception of Hook and Jurassic Park II: The Lost World which were less than average.) However, last year, Spielberg directed an odd little science fiction film called A.I. Artificial Intelligence, well, the film wasn't completely awful, but it seemed to be more Stanley Kubrick, and his cynical take on the world, over the optimisitic point of view represented in the majority of Spielberg films. Not to mention that the film was far too long and the ending didn't quite click with the rest of the film. A worthy effort nonetheless.Now, Spielberg has gotten even darker with the science fiction film called Minority Report starring Tom Cruise in one of his best roles. Great action, terrific special effects, and of course top direction by the master himself, Spielberg, make Minority Report a can't miss by any standards. SEE THIS FILM, IT'S A CLASSIC AND BY FAR THE BEST FILM OF SUMMER 2002!
Rating: Summary: Bladerunner it ain't. Review: Minority Report (Steven Spielberg, 2002) Spielberg has made his third-best flick ever, behind 1971's Duel and 1998's Saving Private Ryan. Two decent films from Spielberg in four years? Could it be he's finally getting ready to fulfill the promise he showed in his first feature film some thirty years ago? Probably not, but we can hold out hope. ... Spielberg does redeem himself for such overarching ego, though, in the skillful cinematography that runs throughout the movie. He switches film stocks with aplomb, throws in enough darkness and rain to make you think you're watching a David Fincher film at times, and even attempts to tread on Lucio Fulci's territory with a memorable scene involving Tom Cruise and Peter Stormare. (What was it Philip Dick had about eyes, anyway?) Spielberg stops short of the detail that got Fulci banned in Britain, but the echo will be there for anyone who's ever seen Zombie. As with most summer pictures, there's not a lot under the surface; it's your basic sci-fi action thriller. It lacks the depth and complexity of Bladerunner or the endless rewatch value of Total Recall, but it's worth the two hours you'll spend on it. *** ½
Rating: Summary: A very hollow movie Review: Yes, we can see some futuristic products in this movie, but besides that, the whole movie is just a mediocre scientific fantasy added with urban cops/bad guys conflict, plus so commonly portrayed top guy turning bad by using his protege as a scapegoat and then exposed at the end, good always win over bad and end story. What a disappointment. Spielburg is supposed to be good, good, and good. But this time, he wasted Tom Cruise, a finally matured, turned good to great actor. Lousy script kills everything. Sorry, no cigar this time.
Rating: Summary: Brains, not brawn Review: The people who said that there isn't much action in this were absolutely right: there isn't. If your brain lies in your biceps, maybe you should try something else...professional wrestling, perhaps? That said, this is a phenomenal movie which blends a mix of creative genius, stark reality, humanity at its worst, and a precognizance of its own that is easily and chillingly recognizable in today's world of post-9/11 attempts at pre-emptive crime fighting. In the world of "Minority Report" crimes can be stopped before they happen. This is because a trio of (essentially) futuristic...babies can see murders before they happen, and Tom Cruise is the cop that catches the bad guys before they go bad. But as his character says, "everybody runs"--himself included, when his name comes up in connection with a future murder. From there it's a test of wits, strength and a clever twist on a classic murder-mystery formula for him to prove his own innocence before he's captured by the same elite crime force he once headed. Alright, sounds like a good story, if a bit cliche. So what makes this movie so good? First is Steven Spielberg's brilliant direction. With "Minority Report," he makes up for his disturbing but misguided "A.I." of last year. How refreshing to have a film where the special effects are folded INTO the mix, not used as the base. He crafts a seamless story, plugs most (admittedly not all) of the holes in the writing, and makes you truly believe that this is a possible future. (He seems almost prescient himself: just as the movie was released, Attorney General John Ashcroft announced a "pre-crime" initiative at our current day Justice Department) Spielberg also tries to avoid that which might be a bit too fantastic, so don't expect any laser beams, humanoid robots, or little cyborg children looking for their mommies (thank god). Second in this film is the substance. "Time and timing" are themes throughout the movie, as is illustrated in one of the opening scenes (as Cruise races to catch a future murderer at the exact moment when the act is about to be committed), and watch for this to recur throughout the movie. In one of the most brilliant scenes, in which Cruise and one of the "pre-cogs" are trying to escape capture in a shopping mall, the clairvoyant girl guides Cruise through a series of perfectly orchestrated evasions of their would-be captors. Third is style. I mentioned the special effects. I was getting so sick of movies "STARRING!" some new technology or special effect that my jaw dropped simply from the surprise of a director unafraid to make them a simple backdrop. This isn't "The Matrix": don't go in looking for Tom Cruise to dodge bullets. Instead, expect some slick sequences involving a futuristic world...or is it really that far off? "Popular Science" magazine ran a feature on Tom Cruise's Lexus in this film and pointed out the many features that aren't far away. In "Minority Report"s world, strategically placed eye scanners offer tailored advertisements for every person walking around: anybody have their ...webpage customized? There's also some comedic relief to keep this from being chilling to the bone (although if the thought of somebody touching your eye makes you queasy, I wouldn't recommend seeing this film), a surprising performance by the inconsistent Cruise, and some fantastic support from Max Von Sydow and especially Colin Farrell. Yes, this will make you think. No, there isn't any adrenaline-raising chase or action sequence, although there are scenes so tense that you'll find yourself holding your breath (remember what I said about timing? Watch for a scene with some robotic spiders and you'll see what I mean). But this is still a great movie, cream from this summer's lackluster crop, and destined (I believe) to become a classic. This should be on any serious movie fan's Christmas list.
Rating: Summary: Minority Report Review: I thought this was an excellent movie with a pretty tricky plot. When I went in to see this movie I thought the story would end when Tom Cruise finally meets his fate, however finding this to be only part of the plot was a great surprise. I thought the ideas to be interesting and challenge the mind about the future. I was also impressed by the special effects and do not see what people refer to when they say it was "too blue". If you want a movie that will give you seasonal depression refer to the newest "Planet of the Apes" movie. Also if you thought the sort of future imagined in this movie was corny please refer to "Demolition Man". Overall an excellent film whose plot twists kept me stumped. I'll buying this movie on DVD as soon as it's released.
Rating: Summary: way overrated Review: Just like in AI, Speilberg can't end this where he should. He insists on dragging it out and eliminating any doubts you might have to actually think about afterwards. The real culprit here is the way the bad guy gives himself away to Tom Cruise's wife, in true Matlock form. Possibly the weakest plot device of all times: "aha! I didn't say he was a .....!" "Drat! Foiled again!" It really is that bad of a Scooby Doo ending. Amazing that the "master storyteller" would sink to this. More amazing that after the bad guy gives himself away to her, he just lets her go on her way to foil his evil plans. Weak. The effects are OK, but nothing to make your draw drop. Two other unpardonable sins: 1. The entire movie is shot in washed out grey until suddenly a new Lexus is built and it is bright, fire-engine red. Boy, what did Lexus pay to have that happen? 2. Give virtual reality a rest. All that arm waving is not a good way to use a computer. Wouldn't a mouse be a lot faster and less headache-inducing? Weak Sci-fi silliness from supposed "futurists." ...
Rating: Summary: Engaging, gripping ... some relevance to today Review: ...I found the movie to be quite worthwhile. It held my attention for the full 2 1/2 hours. The future does look pretty grim and the idea of being imprisoned for a 'pre-crime' is quite compelling. It reminds me a bit of the situations some of the 'enemy combatants' our Gov't is currently holding. How about a National ID Card' = an eye scan. After 9/11/01 some of the issues present seem more relevant. Even though some big companies paid [alot of money]for visibility I thought that the use of technology for marketing by eye scan to be not too futuristic at all. Isn't this just a more advanced concept of web personalization ...?
Rating: Summary: Loved it ( ... and I know movies) !! Review: With an opening sequence of intense quick cuts and camera movements, it was obviously going to be an exciting show; and with the many twists and turns the movie takes, I was constantly on the edge of my seat, literally! The cinematography was outstanding! The plot was complex! And the acting was amazing! Minority Report, starring Tom Cruise, is based on the book by Philip K. Dick. John Anderton (Cruise) is accused of a murder that he knows he isn't going to commit. So for the next 2 1/2 hours you watch him as he runs away, trying to prove the "system" is wrong by finding the "minority report." I know I can't wait until this DVD is released in December. It is on my list of upcoming movies I HAVE to buy.
Rating: Summary: mediocre at best Review: This movie is mediocre at best. It does have some wonderful elements like the advertising that addresses you by name. It's main problem though is that it's overly ambitious. It just tries to do too many things and doesn't do half of them well. The nods to Blade Runner and Brazil are unmistakable and inferior. On the other hand it's much better than the mess that was A.I.
Rating: Summary: Well Made Review: Watched the movie resently. The theme is very futuristic and it keeps you in suspence. The movie is better than Tom's Vanila Sky where at the end you still don't know what is going on and you have to guess your own ending. The special effects are well edited and 'clean'.
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