8 outta 10

Rating: 8/10 (18 July 2002)

This is movie looked so cool in the trailers and it didint disappoint. i made sure i didnt know anything bout the story (apart from the premise) when i went into the cinema and i think that i benefited from that as it may have spoiled the movie. there are a lot of twists and turns in the story that it made me think... which is kinda different for a summer movie nowadays. but then again, its not a typical summer movie, or a typical spielberg or cruise movie either.
this film seems a step forward in both the director's and actor's careers. cruise plays a very flawed character which is refreshing to see, and spielberg has completely turned away from his kiddie-friendly event movies of the past. this movie is closer to his 'Schindler's list' than 'indiana jones'. this movie is stylish and really dark, with some jet black humour (like the bit cruise chasing his eyes)which seems to have evolved from 'A:I'. spielberg is clearly moving away from his past direction and stepping into a more dark and adult territory. i doubt we'll see another summer event movie in the vien of 'jurassic park' in the future.
the movie flows well, and it was impossible to guess when it would end cos there were so many climaxes in the third act. there are a few unanswered questioned at the end of the movie but i think that lends itself to the mysterious and dark atmosphere of this film.
there are very few special effects in this compared to other summer films which helps to make this more believable and real and does not swamp the quality of the cast. the effects usea are mainly classy adverts on the sides of walls and city-scapes that soon you get used to them and forget that they are effects. oh, and i must mention the lexus car - which looks so bloody good in this movie. there seems to have been a lot of development on what the future would look like - its not too advanced and therefore seems more believeable to me.
the acting in this movie is great and just what you would expect from spielberg and co. cruise is brilliant and very likeable - i cant believe he and spielberg have never worked together before. the twists and turns in this movie make you feel uneasy at times and there are some great shocks throughout the movie that would fit perfectly into horror movies.

this is a different type of work from the two big names who both seem to be moving on in their careers and this film can act as a springboard. but as a movie it is hugely satisfying and works well. kudos for the crew for crafting such a movie during such a pop-movie orientated time.