Summer sci-fi attraction... with a brain.

Rating: 10/10 (28 May 2008)

My Take: Another instant Spielberg thrill-a-minute classic is born.
How does Steven Spielberg do it? He creates one motion picture blockbuster after another, each one one of the best ones there are. Either it's a JURASSIC PARK or an E.T., or it's a next Best Picture Oscar contender as SHINDLER'S LIST, Spielberg is one hit-maker that doesn't seem to run out of gas. MINORITY REPORT is 2002's latest model, it's also one of Spielberg's finest. Not only is it an expensive summer attraction, MINORITY REPORT is also a clever, inventive ideal sci-fi movie with neat plot twists, intelligent plotting and some very inventive imaginations-come-to-life. This is more than just another special effects extravaganza that let your eyes feast upon. This time, your brain can enjoy it too.
Spielberg's view of the future isn't just a video game-inspired metropolis with nothing much happening but a lot of running and chasing. This one actually grows a plot and a brain. Taking place in 2054, the futuristic Washington D.C. lessens from crime and injustice thanks to an advanced system called "Pre-crime", an advanced computer system which makes use of Pre-cogs, three genetically altered humans who identify criminals before they commit their crimes. Futuristic cop John Anderton (Tom Cruise, out for another mission impossible) is one of the "Pre-crime" cops, but when he himself is framed for committing a murder (using his long grudge for the loss of his son), the tables have been turned, making Anderton the latest target of the perfect system he helped put up.
Visually, MINORITY REPORT is a blast of visual achievements. Special effects created by Industrial Light & Magic matched with Alex McDowell's imaginative production design provide a terrific amount of imaginative craftsmanship. The special effects here show how far we have come when it comes to effects craftsmanship, as well as how far our imaginations have advanced. But the movie isn't all special effects and flash, MINORITY REPORT is also a brilliantly plotted mystery thriller which delivers both the mystery and the thrills. The plot, based on Phillip K. Dick's story, is impressively put on screen without showing the little sense of stupidity. Spielberg doesn't dumb it down for the sake of special effects. He values the plot, characters and suspense as much, if not more, than the expensive effects and sets. This is sheer proof that Spielberg still knows the Hollywood film-making enterprise, and MINORITY REPORT is still one of his best contributions to the genre.
Rating: ***** out of 5.