I've finally seen a Spielberg movie I didn't enjoy

Rating: 5/10 (5 September 2002)

Well, okay, the story is good, the acting, especially by Samantha Morton (in something of a reprise of her role in "Sweet and Lowdown" although she speaks in this, but it's still minimal - what a star she's becoming) is top notch, but this film is let down in a number of ways.
It's a bit too grainy. Ok, atmosphere is fine, but this is too much. It actually detracts (for this viewer) from the plot. So much hinges on technology that it loses validity when shot in some 50s B-movie quality. The jet-copter used is very reminiscent of the classic "Metropolis", giving a very dated feel, especially combined with the grainy film, yet we are then expected to believe all the rest of the technology. Nah, doesn't work.
"Blair Witch"-esque camera work also spoils the film. Jerky camera movement abounds, quite literally, in some pathetic effort to make you feel a part of the chase. Hey, we can see them running, we know they're running, now can we see detail instead of the picture jumping all over the screen?
As for product placement. There's been a lot of talk about intrusive advertising, but this is an important part of the plot. The fact that the companies involved are actual companies selling today just adds realism (and a part of the budget too, the cynic in me tends to think)
All in all, a movie worth watching, but wait till it comes out on DVD/video and rent it. Don't waste a lot of money going to the cinema - and definitely don't waste even more buying it on DVD.
Overall, 5 out of 10.