Next may just be my latest favorite, despite Nicholas Cage’s involvement!

Next
Directed By: Lee Tamahori
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Julianne Moore, Jessica Biel
Releasing: April 27, 2007
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 96 Minutes

With a clever plot, twists, turns, hilarious comedic moments, and dramatic pauses Next was a huge surprise. Not the slightest bit enthusiastic for the film I sat down with no expectation at all. Nicholas Cage has done some great work, but falls towards the bottom of my list of actors who are someone I’d pay to see in a film, actually plays the role of the second rate Vegas magician/pro-gambler (complete with horrible wardrobe and bad hair), Cris Johnson, remarkably well. Even his Elvis obsession pops out a bit right in the beginning.

Within 10 minutes of the film’s opening we are transported into a world that only Cris can completely understand, the future. His ability allows him to see two minutes into the future, but only his future – which keeps him limited to the Vegas show circle of psychic ability and slight of hand. But he has received a vision much further into the future than he has ever before, that of a girl who he doesn’t know, but wants to meet, Liz (Jessica Biel). All the while being stalked by the Agent Callie Ferris (Julianne Moore) with the FBI and a terrorist group.

The twists and turns gain such amazing momentum it is difficult to keep two minutes ahead at all times – and I am not easily fooled in film. Tamahori does great work at keeping the audience entertained while not giving too much away for the final few moments. I was even impressed by the acting of both Nicholas Cage and Jessica Biel. Sadly Julianne Moore, the best of the bunch (in my opinion) fell slightly short as the gun toting badass but pulls through with enough to take you to the credits!

If I were to ever have a complaint with this film it would be with the special effects. Some were so obviously computer mockups that I was taken out of the suspense of the scene to ponder how in 2007 a cheesy graphic could make it anywhere into a movie such as this. But it’s just a small gripe. And my biggest problem recommending this film is weather or not to give it 4.5 stars or 5. So to err on the side of caution I will give it 4.5 for the cheesy graphics but despite Ender’s complaints, I say see it in the theatre AND buy it on DVD!

Official Movie Site: nextmovie.com