Visually stunning, highly ingenious

Rating: 9/10 (26 July 2002)

The very best thing about this film was that I had somehow managed to avoid seeing any trailers or pre-publicity. So I was expecting some kind of thriller/romance type movie. I was so delighted to be wrong. This was a truly compelling movie. Visually stunning, it still managed to grip both based on plot and character. Replete with plot turns and unexpected developments, there was no way to know what to expect. Cruise, Russell, Diaz and Cruz were all believable in tough situations, and compelling. Crowe combined the best that modern special effects have to offer with some great basic cinematography and direction, including an awe-inspiring beginning in Time Square.
Super, fascinating, devious, ingenious, innovative. Best thing I've seen in ages. 9/10.