Next

Next (2007) starts with an exciting premise that immediately hooks you. Nicolas Cage plays Cris Johnson, a man with the unique ability to see a few minutes into his future. The first act delivers on the concept, balancing intrigue and action with some fun moments where his abilities shine. It sets the stage for something big, and you can feel the potential brimming as the story begins to unfold. However, as the second act progresses, the movie starts to lose its way. The momentum slows, and while there are still moments of brilliance, like a few thought-provoking quotes about beauty and perception, it feels like the film is more focused on reaching a predetermined conclusion than fully exploring the depth of Cris' abilities or the psychological impact they have on him and others. The performances from Cage and Jessica Biel are enjoyable, and their chemistry works well enough to carry the more personal scenes, even when the script feels underdeveloped. Despite its flaws, Next still has moments that stick with you, and the ending adds an unexpected twist that makes you reflect on what came before. While the movie doesn't quite deliver on its full potential, it remains an entertaining watch if you enjoy high-concept sci-fi thrillers. It's the kind of film that leaves you wondering how much better it could have been with a stronger focus on character depth and the world-building around its unique concept.

Someone here has been watching too much "Dr. Who"!. Sadly, though neither the acting nor the writing can really capitalise on the quirky theme of this sci-fi thriller. Nicolas Cage is "Cris" (the man clearly has an issue with the letter "h"). Anyway, he has the ability to see two minutes into the future and he uses his skill to best effect as a low-key magician in Las Vegas. He is coasting along fine until FBI agent "Ferris" (Julianne Moore) alights on a plan to use his unique quirk to thwart a plan by some unscrupulous Russian terrorists to detonate a nuclear bomb in California. Things take a turn for the more dangerous for poor old Cage when his girlfriend "Liz" (Jessica Biel) becomes a pawn in the game too. To be fair, it does move along swiftly enough, but there isn't even the merest hint of jeopardy. The dialogue and the action scenarios are straight out of the Janet and John book of join-the-dots disaster thrillers, and Moore is distinctly out-of-sorts trying to hold this derivative and disjointed story together - getting little help from a terribly wooden leading man. It's got straight to video written all over it, and even the most die-hard fans of the genre and these actors are bound, surely, to leave disappointed.

Great watch, will likely watch again, and do recommend. While I wouldn't normally consider clairvoyance "time travel", the way it is implemented in this movie is essentially time shifting. He "thinks" himself forward in time, and then essentially time shifts himself backwards to a time before he witnesses the consequence. It's such an interesting concept, but potentially un-cinematic. They honestly do an amazing job of displaying Nicholas Cage standing in place to "see" and making it seem interesting. Juliane Moore helps by being a badass lady in charge, but Jessica Biel (a proven entity herself) just doesn't have the opportunity to be little more than a damsel. Cage carries most of the movie, but is a lot less "crazy" than he is in other movies, if that is any comfort. Definitely check this out next time you're looking for an "out of the box" action flick.