A masterpiece...one of Spielberg's very best.

Rating: 9/10 (6 January 2003)

Other than the incomparable Schindler's List (which is my second favourite film of all-time) and perhaps the wonderful entertainment Raiders of the Lost Ark, I think that this is Steven Spielberg's greatest film. And that's saying something.
To be sure, it is the best film I have seen in 2002. As a movie lover, I love films that almost get me drunk on the pure excitement of watching it. This is such a film. I saw it in theaters and bought it on DVD because everytime I watch it, I can look at it through a new angle.
If you watch it simply to be dazzled by the vision of the future, it's a masterpiece. If you watch it to be enveloped in a Hitchcockian murder mystery, it's a masterpiece. And as a combination of the two, it forges it's own special genre...like Blade Runner meets North by Northwest.
Also, there is an element of strong social commentary about the direction that America (and other countries, to be fair) is heading in with its "protection" of national interests. We may still be alive, but will we be free? There is an undeniable horror to two images in the movie: the one in which the halo is about to be put on the man's head at the beginning of the film (the guy who was about to kill his wife) and the one in which Anderton sees himself committing a crime. How could you talk your way out of it? "But...I haven't done anything!". "Yes, but you will..."
There are so many memorable images and moments: I haven't even mentioned the first great chase sequence, the Spyder sequence (which ranks with some of cinema's finest moments) or the oddly romantic "Moon River" chase sequence in the mall. These are all moments that transcend any genre and get at the heart of why we go to the movies in the first place.
The performances would seem to be irrelevant in a sci-fi movie, but it is typical of Spielberg that they are first-rate. Tom Cruise really made me care about his character, even the corny missing son bit seemed genuine rather than forced on to forge his character. And the supporting performances are unforgettable: Samantha Morton as a chilling Pre-Cog, Colin Farrell as the oily Witwer, Max von Sydow as the seemingly paternal head of Pre-Crime. And the characters Anderton meets along the way: the always creepy Peter Stormare, Lois Smith and Tim Blake Nelson add colour and humour to the story.
I think this is a great film...what more needs to be said? When I first saw the film, I thought it was a masterpiece, although I thought the ending was flawed. Now, even the ending works for me. It's still a little bit overexpository (the genius of the crime is better revealed slyly and subtly...but I guess Spielberg wanted to make sure the audience wasn't confused). However, the ending contains genuine drama and many different shots that would have made Hitchcock proud. So even though it's the worst part of the film, it's still not bad.
But yes, as I said, this is a masterpiece. If you haven't seen it, it's too bad you missed it in theaters (it really is a great moviegoing experience) but get it on DVD or VHS. You won't be disappointed.