Minority Report (2002)
There is no doubt in my mind I will get lambasted for this pick, probably more than any other on my list. This is in part due to the fact that Sci-Fi fans (or geeks) are very passionate about their favorite films, and the genre itself. While some might choose Avatar, Star Trek, or even Wall-E, I think Minority Report is a cut above the rest.
Spielberg made three great sci-fi films this decade: Minority Report, A.I., and War of the Worlds (ironically Tom Cruise was in two of the three). While each film is good, Minority Report is superior, and I must say it’s not due to anything Spielberg directly did. Simply put, it is a great story.
Based on the short story by Phillip K. Dick (his “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” was the basis for the greatest sci-fi film of the 1980’s, Blade Runner), it is truly a nightmare worth watching. In short, it is 2054 and pre-crime division is able to catch criminals before they commit a crime. Everything seems to be working without a hitch until one of pre-crime’s own (Cruise) is targeted for a murder he has yet to commit. Actually you can get this much information watching the first ten minutes of the film. The true pleasure is watching the remaining two hours unfold. While the acting is better than average (Cruise is solid, Farrell is watchable, Samantha Morton and Max von Sydow are great), the visual look of the film, along with the compelling story, make this film a remarkable piece of cinema. The cinematography is superb, and I love the overall look of the film with its muted blue tones. The special effects are incredible to say the least.
Even if you are not a fan of sci-fi films, I find it hard to believe you wouldn’t enjoy, or even appreciate, a film of this caliber.
Spielberg made three great sci-fi films this decade: Minority Report, A.I., and War of the Worlds (ironically Tom Cruise was in two of the three). While each film is good, Minority Report is superior, and I must say it’s not due to anything Spielberg directly did. Simply put, it is a great story.
Based on the short story by Phillip K. Dick (his “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” was the basis for the greatest sci-fi film of the 1980’s, Blade Runner), it is truly a nightmare worth watching. In short, it is 2054 and pre-crime division is able to catch criminals before they commit a crime. Everything seems to be working without a hitch until one of pre-crime’s own (Cruise) is targeted for a murder he has yet to commit. Actually you can get this much information watching the first ten minutes of the film. The true pleasure is watching the remaining two hours unfold. While the acting is better than average (Cruise is solid, Farrell is watchable, Samantha Morton and Max von Sydow are great), the visual look of the film, along with the compelling story, make this film a remarkable piece of cinema. The cinematography is superb, and I love the overall look of the film with its muted blue tones. The special effects are incredible to say the least.
Even if you are not a fan of sci-fi films, I find it hard to believe you wouldn’t enjoy, or even appreciate, a film of this caliber.
Carlos thought this would be your Nerd Film - I guess he was equating "Nerd" with "Sci-fi" . . . :) Speaking of, I'm trying to convince him that we should go to Comic-con for his birthday this year.
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