Minority Report

In the near future, crime is not paid for after the fact; it is prevented. An elite division of police officers for The Pre-Crime Division, led by Chief John Anderton (Tom Cruise) and his team, solve crimes before they happen using three genetically altered people known as the Precogs: Art, Dash and Agatha (Smantha Morton). And they're never wrong, until one day during a federal inspection, the murder is premeditated and perp is one of their own, Chief Anderton himself. Only problem is, he's never met his victim.

With a style both borrowed from and enhanced from Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, Minority Report is a well designed film. The jargon spewed by the Pre-Crime Division personnel fits very comfortably in each performer's delivery, rolling off with clarity and educated expertise; a credit to quality preparation. The photography, including all the extra effects, is perfectly detailed, but not overdone, and beautiful. I'm comfortable in this world and it's completely believable.

The wit of the film is manifested in its action sequences, and they're clearly designed out of the 80's and are reminiscent of Indiana Jones and Star Wars. The first fight after Anderton is discovered both in the streets with his own men and in the car factory is a classic western train fight. It's brilliant and innovative.

The story premise is also innovative and paradoxical in a thought-provoking way. It questions the metaphysics of how someone prevents the inevitable destiny awaiting a person's future, especially if they are aware of the end event. And it's a great thinking film in that it never answers the question, allowing the audience to answer on their own and that's the sign of a good writer.

The personality of a film is partially defined by the performers of the piece. And the lead performer is enhanced by those who surround him or her. Tom Cruise is a powerhouse who requires a supporting cast with enough strength to balance the personality into a round presence that fills the screen and allows us to relate to the writer through each of the characters. This film has some powerful actors in the supporting roles. Samantha Morton, publicly unknown at this point, counters Cruise with subtlety and meekness and adds a beautiful presence to the screen both in conscience and horror. Her final monologue to Anderton and his ex-wife is heartbreaking and beautiful as she tells Anderton's son's probable future before the tactical team sweeps in. Steve Harris, Neal McDonough and Colin Farrell each add power to the scenes they share with Cruise. Harris, as the capable technician whose timely information is relayed to the tactical team, adds a calm smoothness to Cruise's ballistic performance. McDonough adds an almost loving touch, a brother's touch, as he has to put his friend and commander down. And Farrell adds an educated and cocky spin to the Red Herring "bad guy" in his fight and pursuit of Cruise's Anderton. These four provide a great springboard for the power that is in Tom Cruise's high-velocity emotional roller coaster. And Tim Blake Nelson, Max Von Syndow and Peter Stormare make the best of their time on screen with memorable performances each.

Overall the film is a great ride. It never slows down in speed, tension, musicality, pacing, action or performance: a brilliant package and a great story. Such a beautiful emotional piece.

****

IN: Colin Farrell

OUT: Steve Harris

Coming Soon: The Mod Squad