What happened Next? (Next (DVD))

Name: bilbob20

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Next (DVD)
Date:	08.05.08 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent premise, and fast paced action

Disadvantages: Nicholas Cage isn't terrific, and its all a bit confusing

I first seen this film advertised about a year ago, and was intrueged by its premise, but didn't actually get to see it initially. I finally managed to see it on DVD over the weekend.

Cris Johnson is an alcoholic magician who works the Las Vegas circuit. Behind the smoke and mirrors though, and unbeknown to his audience, Cris does actually have an unusual gift. He can see things just a minute in advance of happening, giving him the opportunity to avoid dangerous situations. This soon piques the interest of the casino security, and subsequently the FBI who think they can use him to disarm a terrorist group.

Along the way, Cris acquires a love interest in Liz, somebody he has been seeing more in advance than his power usually allows. With her, he goes on the run to try and avoid assisting the FBI. He doesn't want involved, but soon he finds himself and Liz endangered as they are played off between the terrorists and the FBI.

This film is as much smoke and mirrors as the magic act that Cris Johnson plays host to in Las Vegas. Nothing is quite as it seems, and the line between reality and Cris' visions is played with endlessly. Even the film's final act is turned on its head for a revelation that is unique in a Hollywood thriller and that makes for a slightly dissatisfying end.

Nicholas Cage gives his usually lazy eyed, slurred speech performance, but is able in the action sequences. Its Jessica Biel that is more engaging though as his slightly bemused love interest. She's thrown into the mix purely on a whim, but for some reason you actually buy into it. Julianne Moore is excellent though, playing the cool manipulative FBI Agent who is tasked with bringing Cris in.

The script throws up the question about people doing nothing and allowing evil to go on in the world when they would actually be able to assist. Its done on a much larger scale, and also homes in on the current and constant threat of terrorism. The script also makes brilliant use of Cris' gift, throwing in set pieces that make for explosive sequences, whilst rarely appearing to be inplausable.

The film is directed by Lee Tamahori, who has had his hand in directing Die Another Day, one of the xxx films, and the terrific Along Came A Spider, therefore is no stranger to big budget explosive thrillers. There is a dreamy sense to the film in places, that lends authenticity to Cris' gift, and allows the bigger action sequences to attack the screen.

The only thing about Next is that the constant bounce between reality and advance previews of up and coming action is so blurred that you ocassionally have to question whether something happened or not. Its much easier to analyse after you have finished viewing, and possibly on a second viewing, but whilst veiwing for the first time, it provokes far too much emphasis on thinking about the timeline to actually enjoy viewing it. But when the action is this excellent, and such an engaging premise, its hard to pick fault.

I want to give it 3 1/2 stars, as its not as bad as 3, and not as good as 4.

Summary: An enjoyable thriller with great action let down only by its somewhat confusing plotting