| Overall Grade: |
B+ |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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| Acting: |
A- |
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| Direction: |
B+ |
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| Visuals: |
A |
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'Next' has a great future
by DavidT (movies profile)
Nov 5, 2007
20
of
25 people found this review helpful
The adaptations of Phillip K. Dick's stories can be described as stellar (i.e. Blade Runner, A Scanner Darkly, Minority Report) to mediocre (Paycheck). 'Next', which is a loose adaptation of Dick's 1954 short story 'The Golden Man', could have easily fell into the mediocre file, but Lee Tamahori succeeds in directing a competent and engaging action thriller. Nicolas Cage carries this film with the same kind of charisma and everyman quality that made him popular in 'National Treasure' and 'The Rock'. Jessica Biel provided more than just eye candy to her character. Her interaction with Cage was convincing as she is drawn by Cris Johnson's charm. Julianne Moore was sufficient as she played the hard-nosed FBI agent who is probably capable of turning into the torturers that Johnson so adamantly described. The plot (terrorist threat), however is predictable and the German bad guys are not well-developed. Peter Falk's character would have been better enjoyed if it was incorporated into second and third acts, but it probably would have been better if his role was cut out of the film in general. Despite this, the action sequences are top notch and are not over the top. The specials effects are practical but well designed. This fact helps the movie and brings more to the premise (the 'dopplegangers' were a nice touch). Yet, I do have one final gripe about the film: The abrupt ending. It was unexpected, which can be viewed as good or bad. I wouldn't mind if the film were 10-15 minutes longer and a sappy 'lovers reunite' resolution could have satisfied me. Overall, this is an enjoyable and is worthy of being number one, that is until 'Spiderman 3' opens. |
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