Without a doubt this is one of the biggest science fiction films of our time, a fantastic and wide-reaching epic story, mixing in the murder mystery genre with a detective story and a wronged-man FUGITIVE-style chase flick, lacing moments of horror and even outlandish humour into the brew to create an unforgettable concoction. Spielberg has done it again, reaching new levels of maturity in adapting a short story from Phillip K. Dick and creating an action-packed film which manages to be intelligent and suspenseful as well as crowd-pleasing. Although the futuristic trappings are familiar and some elements of the movie are somewhat clichéd (am I the only one getting tired of robotic spiders after this and LOST IN SPACE?),Spielberg and his crew have lovingly crafted each sequence in an artistic and aesthetically pleasing way so that you can physically enjoy what you're watching all the while.

The storyline is complex but not unfathomable; Spielberg tends to throw us in at the deep end at the beginning of the tale, but gradually as the pieces of the plot fall together it all becomes clear until the outstanding climax-upon-climax finale, which explains every detail of the plot in crystal clarity and acts as the icing on the cake. Actually reaching the explanation of the story is an enjoyable and exhilarating process which left me frequently gripped by the actions on screen. The story is backed up with some fantastic visual effects work to create a society somewhat different from ours (hover packs, killer plants, and automated cars being the new additions) and there is enough action to stop anyone becoming bored. A chase sequence in a car factory is frenetically entertaining material and there are a few classic moments of the bizarre thrown in too, including the highlight where Cruise chases his own eyeballs down a corridor.

As the lead, Cruise shines. Even surrounded by gadgetry he puts in an outstanding performance which may be his best yet. He makes for an endearing, emotionally unstable human hero and my long-running hatred of the actor has vanished since his quality performances of recent years. A sterling cast provides the back-up, including fresh-faced Colin Farrell as a dedicated detective (great work from the Irish newcomer),stalwarts such as Peter Stormare and Patrick Kilpatrick doing their bits, and a typically fine showing for Max von Sydow in a substantial role for a change. Eagle-eyed viewers may spot SUSPIRIA starlet Jessica Harper, unrecognisable in a pivotal sequence repeated throughout the movie. MINORITY REPORT is a classic film, full of action, danger, and suspense, and it's one of the best thrill-rides I've seen in a long time that doesn't forsake cerebral challenges in place of dumb explosions.

It's 2054. Crime has been virtually eliminated from Washington D.C. area due to the Department of Precrime. They use three Pre-cogs to predict future crimes and arrest the criminals before any crime actually happens. John Anderton (Tom Cruise) investigates the precrimes. However one day, the Pre-Cogs predict that Anderton will murder and the system is now coming after him. He kidnaps the most powerful pre-cog Agatha (Samantha Morton) and discovers a flaw in the system. Federal agent Danny Witwer (Colin Farrell) is on the manhunt as Anderton tries to prove he's innocent of a crime he's yet to commit.

The concept of free will vs determinism from Philip K. Dick is amazing. The production from Steven Spielberg is terrific. The movie is so well made that it maintains its tension with all the crazy ideas being thrown at the audience. Tom Cruise is the perfect protagonist for this movie. He has a touch of that boy scout with a dark edge. He matches the intensity of the material. There is a good mystery, compelling performances, and expertly made all growing out of a great story. It does wrap up a little too neatly. I'm not sure a Spielberg movie could have gone that dark.

It's the year 2054 and mankind through the good graces of pioneering criminologist Max Von Sydow we're about to abolish crime all together. Von Sydow employs three psychics, no doubt the three best in the world and while it looks life is a pretty dull thing for them, spending all that time in water the better to receive images they're doing yeoman service to mankind anticipating murders to come. Right at the beginning of the film we see them in action as police are dispatched to capture Arye Gross as he's about to murder his wife and her boy toy.

But some disturbing images come in regarding police chief Tom Cruise murdering a man who he doesn't even know. Now Cruise is a Richard Kimble like fugitive and he hasn't done the terrible deed he's supposed to do. But one of the water bound psychics turns in a different interpretation of the images she sees. It's that Minority Report that Cruise is interested in so Samantha Morton is taken by Tom who wants very much to find out what's going so he can alter his destiny if possible.

I won't say more other than destinies can be altered and images can be manipulated and wrongly interpreted by some malevolent forces at work.

Cruise and Von Sydow and the rest of the cast turn in some fine performances for Steven Spielberg. And Spielberg's own vision of the future is fascinating. I did love those images of horses making a comeback as a method of transportation. I'm guessing that fossil fuels had polluted the planet enough and we wanted biodegradable waste once again.

Science fiction is always interesting, even the worst future films offer us someone's vision of the future be Steven Spielberg or Ed Wood. Spielberg at least has the talent to bring it off.

And maybe crime prevention taken to its ultimate is not such a good thing. Watch Minority Report and see how you feel.