Review: Minority Report

The Steven Spielberg film, Minority Report, opened on this date in 2002. The sci-fi thriller starred Tom Cruise.

Synopsis:

In the future, murder has been eliminated. Psychics are able to see murders before they happen and a special police unit is then able to arrest the killers before they can act. When the head of the police unit is accused of murder, the entire program is questioned.

Positives:

• Tom Cruise is one of the biggest movie stars of all time. The actor gives one of his most nuanced performances in Minority Report.

• Minority Report is one of the most unique films in Spielberg’s filmography. The director uses ideas, themes and visuals we haven’t seen before from him.

• There are a lot of really cool future gadgets and devices in the film. 16 years after its release, a lot of the technology used in the sci-fi movie has started to trickle its way into our modern day reality.

• Negatives:

  • Minority Report switches genres and tone often. All the scenes and tones work extremely well. But, when you take the time to think about the film as a whole—it feels a little disjointed.

   

  • The 3rd act of the film is a little weak. The climax is underwhelming. The ending tries very hard to give us a "happy ending" and it doesn’t feel earned.

  In Closing:

  Minority Report is filled with interesting ideas and stunning visuals. It features one of Tom Cruise’s best and most layered performances. Minority Report is one of Spielberg’s boldest and most exciting films.

  Rating: A-