Good movie but the hype is a bit too good (minor spoiler)

Rating: 5/10 (21 June 2002)

The good.
For the most part the characters are developed enough that the movie does not feel like an action movie. The camera work, cinematography and directing is excellent. The special effects are mostly seamless and there is some very original use of technology. The main character is faulty... a drug addict who likes to lose himself when not at work and that enhances the quality of the story. There are some good action sequences and a pretty good story that holds you for the entire movie. The non-essential characters are briefly seen interacting but for the most part the movie sticks to a handful of important characters (all well performed).
***MINOR SPOILER****
The not-so-good.
There is a development in the story very late in the movie that I felt was unnecessary and changed the movie from a classic to just a good movie. Instead of taking a huge leap and making it a powerful movie about not being able to change the future Spielberg takes the easy way out. After that the movie becomes about something else and kind of loses its power. Plus, there is one scene in the last few minutes of the movie that is never explained (where someone gains access to an area... without the access key ever being shown as given or access to the area being terminated as should be done via SOP). This final part could be a plot hole... or at least demands that the audience write their own scenario.
Other than that this movie works. It is not a movie I believe people will see over and over. It is good for a one time viewing but I am not sure how exciting it would be to see twice. None of the special effects are mind blowing and none of the action is effective enough for the audience to dream about seeing it again.
On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate this movie a solid 8. Not a classic story but a good movie to catch.