-- James ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

Talk about this film with other Popkorn Junkies

      Billy Ray ( 2 1/2 out of 4 pops )

      Well, well, well--Spielberg's masterpiece, eh?  I think jolly old Mr. Ebert might have had a few too many gins and tonics when he made that observation.  Sure, "Minority Report" is pretty good entertainment, but it is certainly no masterpiece.  Tom Cruise was good, as was Tim Blake Nelson, Max Von Sydow, and Samantha Morton.  And, Spielberg did a fantastic job with directing the film.  However, it seemed like just another summer action flick to me.  And, I have a question--after they people are arrested and prevented from murdering their intended victims, could they not then be released?  I mean, they're time of being a threat would be over?  Why not let them go?  And, if those turds floating in the tanks can predict when people will be murdered, why could they not predict where Tom Cruise was going to be at all times, thus preventing a chase from ever occurring?  Could they not see what was going to happen, thus knowing how everything was going to end.  Maybe they just didn't feel like telling anybody--yeah, that's it.  Of course, if you get past those questions and a few holes in the plot, "Minority Report" is a decent picture.  I tend to like films set in the future, though "A.I." was far better than this one.  So, what can I say--I'm split down the middle.  A part of me loved the innovation and adventure of the film, while another part was expecting so much more from one of the greatest directors to ever live.  Though this doesn't rank up there with his "Jaws" or "Raiders of the Lost Ark", it falls more in line with his "Hook" and "Amistad".  Thank God it's not an "Always". 

      Mike ( 4 out of 4 pops )

      Let me start right off and say I really liked this sci-fi film which can also be easily described as a murder mystery, film-noir story which takes place in the future.  While it contains marvelous eye-popping visuals that only Spielberg seems to be able to create as well as many action sequences, it also it a very intelligent and thought provoking film which will challenge and reward those viewers who want to engage their brains.  I like the predestination vs. free-will question theme and whether or not the future is set or can be changed. The casting of Tom Cruise in the lead role is perfect, he has never been better. Samantha Morton and the legendary Max von Sydow are also great in the movie. While I was one somewhat disappointed with Spielberg's "A.I.", I was completely mesmerized by Minority Report.  It's great to see that a summer movie doesn't have to be brain-dead to be exciting and entertaining.

      Matt ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

      "Minority Report" is one of the best films I've seen this year!  I don't despise science fiction, as a genre, but there have been some sci-fi flicks recently that just put me to sleep, because they're so wrapped up in futuristic jargon that they have virtually no connection to real life.  With the magic of Steven Spielberg, we're transported into a visually spectacular world with many cool technological advances, yet it's not so out of this world that the audience is rolling their eyes.  Not only is this is a great-looking film, but it contains a solid story and terrific acting.  Of course, it helps that I'm a Tom Cruise fan and I look forward to all his movies.  He yet again impresses me with a fine performance, but I was also impressed by Irish actor Colin Farrell, who I found delightfully fiendish.  And veteran actor Max Von Sydow gives another topnotch performance.  I was wrapped up in the story, from beginning to the twist ending--It has one of those conclusions where you think it's all over...but it's not.  The action sequences are stunning, including one where Cruise battles a team of cops, all flying towards him with rocket-packs.  To sum it up, "Minority Report" has possibly everything I can ask for in a sci-fi thriller.  But for some reason--and this may be partially judging from the lack of success from last year's "A.I."--that general audiences won't go crazy over this film.  For one thing, it's very unusual.  People seem to have obsessive-compulsive disorder when approaching their local cinema.  And two, it requires THINKING.  That's right, this is no "Armageddon" or "Independence Day" with a story a 3-year-old can follow.  You must pay close attention (and please don't go out for popcorn!) or you're screwed.  But I hope my theory is wrong and I will be pleasantly surprised, and this film will end up being the biggest hit of the summer.  Because God knows it deserves to be!