Aesthetically pleasing and cerebrally exciting

Rating: 9/10 (28 August 2016)

Without a doubt this is one of the biggest science fiction films of our time, a fantastic and wide-reaching epic story, mixing in the murder mystery genre with a detective story and a wronged-man FUGITIVE-style chase flick, lacing moments of horror and even outlandish humour into the brew to create an unforgettable concoction. Spielberg has done it again, reaching new levels of maturity in adapting a short story from Phillip K. Dick and creating an action-packed film which manages to be intelligent and suspenseful as well as crowd-pleasing. Although the futuristic trappings are familiar and some elements of the movie are somewhat clichéd (am I the only one getting tired of robotic spiders after this and LOST IN SPACE?), Spielberg and his crew have lovingly crafted each sequence in an artistic and aesthetically pleasing way so that you can physically enjoy what you're watching all the while.
The storyline is complex but not unfathomable; Spielberg tends to throw us in at the deep end at the beginning of the tale, but gradually as the pieces of the plot fall together it all becomes clear until the outstanding climax-upon-climax finale, which explains every detail of the plot in crystal clarity and acts as the icing on the cake. Actually reaching the explanation of the story is an enjoyable and exhilarating process which left me frequently gripped by the actions on screen. The story is backed up with some fantastic visual effects work to create a society somewhat different from ours (hover packs, killer plants, and automated cars being the new additions) and there is enough action to stop anyone becoming bored. A chase sequence in a car factory is frenetically entertaining material and there are a few classic moments of the bizarre thrown in too, including the highlight where Cruise chases his own eyeballs down a corridor.
As the lead, Cruise shines. Even surrounded by gadgetry he puts in an outstanding performance which may be his best yet. He makes for an endearing, emotionally unstable human hero and my long-running hatred of the actor has vanished since his quality performances of recent years. A sterling cast provides the back-up, including fresh-faced Colin Farrell as a dedicated detective (great work from the Irish newcomer), stalwarts such as Peter Stormare and Patrick Kilpatrick doing their bits, and a typically fine showing for Max von Sydow in a substantial role for a change. Eagle-eyed viewers may spot SUSPIRIA starlet Jessica Harper, unrecognisable in a pivotal sequence repeated throughout the movie. MINORITY REPORT is a classic film, full of action, danger, and suspense, and it's one of the best thrill-rides I've seen in a long time that doesn't forsake cerebral challenges in place of dumb explosions.