Even from the point of view of its craftsmanship, this is excellent work

Rating: 9/10 (21 March 2009)

It's been hyped as a philosophical joyride, but I didn't find it much more than a wonderfully filmed and acted drama about the mounting dread caused by increasing fear for the world's survival. It builds so convincingly that you will be on the edge of your seat for its second half as if it were happening to you. And on top of this there are at least two over-the-top CGI sequences that are completely awe inspiring. In the trailer there's a train wreck being used to entice audiences, but that is not one of the two I refer to. The two I refer to are a complete joy to watch and if I were a filmmaker I would immediately find out who was in charge of them and I would try to hire that person away before he's put to work non-stop for the next ten years. Probably the second thing I'd like to do is contract the director for my next film. Long sequences are done with such care and skill that I was completely mesmerized. That's saying a lot as I've watched good films for about fifty years. Excellent work by all the stars as well. I really don't think Cage has ever worked with anyone as talented as Proyas. I'll bet he's anxious to join up with him again.