Derivative, but COMPELLING and DAMN GOOD

Rating: 8/10 (27 June 2002)

I'll keep this quick and to the point.
8 out of 10 - a damn good and compelling film that went by quickly.
Problems? Some.
There were so many characters it was difficult to develop any; it was like a revolving door of cast members. Max von Sydow stands out and has been doing this kind of character for a long time, he also looks younger than when he made "The Exorcist" years ago. Peter Stormare was good in a small role as the fellow who replaces Cruise's eyes (that's right) and would have been interesting in the von Sydow role.
Another problem is that the movie is derivative in many ways of various sci fi and police dramas too many to list.
The end scenes are rather saccharine, too upbeat, and slightly contrived.
The entire plot becomes somewhat contrived and slightly illogical towards the end when the von Sydow character faces his dilemma of how to preserve the concept of Pre-Crime, which is using Pre-Cognatives to in effect see into the future: you get arrested for what you WILL do.
Nonetheless, despite those problems, "Minority Report" is excellent from direction to scenery to effects. I have no problems with Cruise's style, as some do. The plot was surprisingly compelling with twists and turns. I never squirmed in my seat and the entire 2 1/2 or so hours went by quickly. It was thought-provoking on a number of levels.
I might even see it again. Eight out of ten.