Next (C- or 1.5/4 stars)
'Next' is a hokey Sci-fi thriller directed by Lee Tamahori. A Las Vegas magician, Cris Johnson (Nicolas Cage), can see 2 minutes into the future, & is pursued by FBI agents, including Callie Ferris (Julianne Moore). They seek him to use his abilities to prevent a Russian nuclear terrorist attack, led by Mr. Smith (Thomas Kretschmann). Cris' secret ability is both a blessing & a curse as he never knows if what he sees will help or hurt him and/or the one's he loves around him. Parts of 'Next' are exciting; it's certainly watchable, but you're dissatisfied in the end. The quick pace of the film does not cover up for some of the lunacy that's going on. And Julianne Moore could not have been more incorrectly cast.
Cris performs cheap tricks in Vegas & lives off his 'small' gambling winnings (I suppose, to not appear obvious). His ability to see ahead of him poses a problem because he's constantly shifting how he lives in the 'present' & then the future changes all over again; it never leaves him (& 2 minutes is quite limiting). But after this terror attack becomes imminent, Callie knows that she needs to reel Cris in & convince him to help her & her fellow government agents to stop the detonation of the attack in Los Angeles. Things start to go wrong when he discovers that he can see 'more' than 2 min. into the future of a stranger, Liz (Jessica Biel). After encountering her, he's on a dual mission: find out why he's having 'her' visions, and ... save the world from a terrorist attack. Easy, right?
But to make matters worse, not only do the FBI locate Cris (conveniently), but the terrorists are also aware of his Intel & want him dead, pronto. The situation becomes dire when the terrorist(s) capture Liz, Cris' new girlfriend. Can Cris avert the crises? Now, Cris has the weight of the world on his shoulders. How does one keep a cool head with such responsibility lain in his lap? You find out as you watch, though, the ending doubles back on itself.
It is hard to imagine that an action flick involving Cage & Moore could be so dumb & cliched; well, imagine no more. Aside from some neat action sequences, & slick set pieces, most of the film is mildly imaginative (too conventional, really). There is a lot going on, but none if it is executed that well. Add in some plot holes & sketchy character development, & there is not much to praise. The 1st half hour intrigues, but then an outlandish premise, & witless dialogue takes over. And the aforementioned 'ending' will confuse some & annoy others (my mother included, & she loves Cage movies). But one of the worst aspects of the film is Moore's performance. She shows no life in this role, tries too hard, & comes across as a Jodie Foster-knock-off. Moore should put down the gun & run back to her Oscar-bait dramatic performances (where she shines). The whole thing is just forgettable. I'd hardly recommend it to anybody.
Cris performs cheap tricks in Vegas & lives off his 'small' gambling winnings (I suppose, to not appear obvious). His ability to see ahead of him poses a problem because he's constantly shifting how he lives in the 'present' & then the future changes all over again; it never leaves him (& 2 minutes is quite limiting). But after this terror attack becomes imminent, Callie knows that she needs to reel Cris in & convince him to help her & her fellow government agents to stop the detonation of the attack in Los Angeles. Things start to go wrong when he discovers that he can see 'more' than 2 min. into the future of a stranger, Liz (Jessica Biel). After encountering her, he's on a dual mission: find out why he's having 'her' visions, and ... save the world from a terrorist attack. Easy, right?
But to make matters worse, not only do the FBI locate Cris (conveniently), but the terrorists are also aware of his Intel & want him dead, pronto. The situation becomes dire when the terrorist(s) capture Liz, Cris' new girlfriend. Can Cris avert the crises? Now, Cris has the weight of the world on his shoulders. How does one keep a cool head with such responsibility lain in his lap? You find out as you watch, though, the ending doubles back on itself.
It is hard to imagine that an action flick involving Cage & Moore could be so dumb & cliched; well, imagine no more. Aside from some neat action sequences, & slick set pieces, most of the film is mildly imaginative (too conventional, really). There is a lot going on, but none if it is executed that well. Add in some plot holes & sketchy character development, & there is not much to praise. The 1st half hour intrigues, but then an outlandish premise, & witless dialogue takes over. And the aforementioned 'ending' will confuse some & annoy others (my mother included, & she loves Cage movies). But one of the worst aspects of the film is Moore's performance. She shows no life in this role, tries too hard, & comes across as a Jodie Foster-knock-off. Moore should put down the gun & run back to her Oscar-bait dramatic performances (where she shines). The whole thing is just forgettable. I'd hardly recommend it to anybody.