Next, starring Nicholas Cage, Julianne Moore and Jessica Biel, is the latest Hollywood offering involving the manipulation of time to hit DVD. Cage plays Cris Johnson, who earns a living as a magician in a seedy Las Vegas act, but his authentic talent is being able to see into the immediate future--two minutes to be exact for every aspect of his life but the mysterious woman he's captivated by (Jessica Biel). Callie Ferris (Julianne Moore) is a government agent trying to recruit the reluctant hero to help stop a terrorist group from detonating a nuclear bomb in the middle of Los Angeles.
The best part of this movie is the directing. Imagine having to translate a script that explores several--even infinite--possibilities Cage's character sees ahead as he chooses his next move. One scenario will play out to disastrous effect, only for the audience to realize he had played it forward in his mind and it hasn't happened yet.
It tackles the common themes associated with time manipulation movies--fate, predestination--but does it in the context of an authentic, wounded hero. Reminiscent of Deja-Vu, this is a non-stop thriller complete with requisite ticking time bomb (literally) and romantic subplot. Overall, a great ride with a fantastic turn at the end and the possibility of a sequel on the horizon. Oh, and what would a Nicholas Cage movie be without an Elvis song? Listen for it.
What did you think of the movie?
3 comments:
I have to put this one on my list... So many movies, so little time...
Just finished Ghost Rider with Nicolas Cage. Interesting demonic theme in it. Of course, it was really man vs. himself, man vs. God (the devil in this case) and man vs. man . . . however, the old Ghost Rider (through the use of time travel) puts in an appearance in the film. Very interesting.
It was a bit predictable for me. I left the room and came back to exactly what I expected. That disappointed me.
Thanks for recommending this, L.A. I hadn't heard anything about Next until your post, but you've convinced me to grab a copy and watch it soon :).
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