Perfection

Rating: 10/10 (9 November 2005)

I have read a large number of reviews for this movie, and I must say that I was surprised with the comments that I read. Firstly, just before its release the Australian movie programs "At The Movies" and "The Movie Show" saw reviews of (out of 5) 5, 4.5, 5, 5, and 5. 4/5 gave a perfect score. I saw the movie with my family, and we all later agreed with each other. 10 out of 10. Every single review or comment I read in the paper or saw on TV in Australia gave it a near perfect score. But what I've later seen is that this movie was loved by critics but considered rubbish by the public. I cannot see why this is so.
Tom Cruise puts in another of his excellent performances, and I believe that he is one of the better actors of his age in Hollywood. His character is believable as the caring father and protector for his children, who is going through a rough time with the break up with his wife/girlfriend Mirando Otto (can't remember which). Cruise and Spielberg had teamed up once before for the film Minority Report, and this movie indicates that this won't be the last time they will be both be involved in the same movie. Cruise has put in what I believe to be one of his best performances, along with Collateral and Top Gun. But the real star of the show is Dakota Fanning. This was the first time that I had seen her in something before, but since seeing the movie I have now watched Taken, I Am Sam and Man On Fire, and now know why she is one of the most sought after child actors in Hollywood. She is incredible, and is an extremely talented young actress. I only hope that she won't fade away as she reaches adulthood as so many child stars do.
Spielberg's direction is out of this world. He places us right into this family, and see the events unfold front Cruise's point of view (as well as Dakota's in a few scenes). Spielberg cleverly doesn't show us what is happening away from the family in order to place more focus on the family, allowing us to become emotionally attached to them, much as we would our own family members. But it is the special effects that raise this movie to new heights. Not the actual special effects (which, however, are earth-shattering) but how Spielberg takes the camera away from the special effects, away from the action. If this was real, you would not sit back and go Wow, that explosion was incredible. You'd be running. And that is what Spielberg does, he has the camera running from the explosions, trying to get to safety.
This movie will always be remembered as one of the best movies that I have ever seen, and that will not change, despite what other people may say about it.