An impressive whodunit with a twist!

Rating: 10/10 (8 July 2004)

I wasn't sure what to make of this film when it was first released, but finally, after the DVD came out, I sat down and watched it. I must say, I was spellbound.
The plot revolves around the Washington, D.C. area "Precrime Initiative." Three "precognitives," psychics of extraordinary ability, are connected to machines that monitor their neural patterns. This system gives the D.C. police the ability to see murders before they happen, and stop them.
Tom Cruise gives an excellent performance. One believes him throughout the film, and he brings it a very human face. Through the course of the film, the viewer also meets some truly unique characters, from Iris Hineman, the co-creator of the Precrime system, who has a very unique exposition role, to Gideon, the slightly macabre sentry of Precrime's containment system.
Of course, one could hardly have a movie without a plot, and Minority Report delivers a great one. The movie is a great twist on a murder mystery, and it keeps you breathless until the end. On repeat viewings, too, you'll probably catch even more of the plot, since this is a very pleasantly complex movie.
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the special effects and the action. They are some of the most convincing I've ever seen in a movie. In a sense, though, they're so great that you forget they're there! The camera doesn't pull huge establishing shots to make you say "wow." You just do, because it's so seamless, and nobody in the film seems overawed at the technology around them. The action is exciting and intense. There are well-choreographed fights and some other amazing action. The movie is breathtaking.
Give Minority Report a spin. I think you'll be as impressed as I was.