A minority of sense and originality.

Rating: Null/10 (12 September 2002)

This derivative, clichÃ©d and by-the-numbers film is one of Spielberg's worst and does Cruise no favors either. It's a messy, trite conglomeration of other films like "Logan's Run", "Total Recall" and "Twelve Monkeys" all spiced up with flashy camera work and expensive effects. The film gets off to a ripsnorting and arresting start and then goes completely down hill from there. An interesting premise is gobbled up by terrible scripting and self-congratulating visual ideas. Cruise is unintentionally hilarious when he's flicking and flinging his hands around at the viewscreen. That was a terrible, campy touch that will no doubt delight young boys in the audience as it so supposedly "cool". There is zero.......ZERO suspense about who the villain will be.....none. Cruise is so-so. His character is often rather stupid, but he does manage to infuse some feeling into the part. Almost every member of the supporting cast overacts and hams it up to the point of hilarity or annoyance or both. The prison monitor is the worst, but others are nearly as bad. Smith, a fine actress, tries to inject irony and class to her role, but it's hopeless. The most annoying thing about this film which is jam-packed with annoyances is the fact that all the men chew gum incessantly. It's obnoxious and distracting. Farrell is really the only one who comes out of it unscathed and Morton is also very intense in a difficult role. She does a good job, but is not exactly a treat to watch. Cruise's wife is an okay actress, but doesn't pair well with him at all. One of the set pieces, an "invasion" of a tenement house by mechanical "spiders" has some interest and tension, but is partially spoiled by all the ham acting of the extras and the over the top situations. One is on the toilet, two are screwing, two are violently arguing......doesn't anyone watch TV in their apartment or just cook or read??? Everything was overdone and unrealistic. A few clever moments and some gripping visuals, but a lousy script, bad direction and campy performances sink it.