Next (2007)

Imagine, if you will, that you were born with the ability to see two minutes into your future. Not "the" future, only "your" future. What would you do with it? How would you keep a talent like that hidden? How would you hide in plain sight?

In the film Next, starring Nicholas Cage, Jessica Biel and Julianne Moore, Cage plays Chris Johnson, the man with the gift who hides by performing as a magician in Vegas.

He's fallen for teacher Liz Cooper (Biel) while trying to avoid FBI Agent Farris (Moore), who is looking for Johnson in order to help her stop a nuke from going off in California.

Next is a good ol' fashioned popcorn movie that asks the viewer to enjoy the ride.... and it's a pretty fun ride. The story unfolds quickly and believably, considering you buy into the entire concept to begin with.

Cage's ability to portray the everyman, even though he's far from it, continues to amaze me. It doesn't matter if he's a down and out two-bit criminal (Raising Arizona) or geeky historian stealing the Declaration of Independence (National Treasure) or a man with the ability to see two minutes into his future... Cage is able to make you think you could be him. That's a gift few actors in history have been able to pull off.

Biel continues to rise up the Hollywood food chain. I've liked her since 7th Heaven. I remember seeing the show for the first time and when she came onto the screen, immediately asking my wife "who's that?" "Jessica something..." my wife responded. "She's got the look," I replied. "What look?" my wife asked. "Movie star look."

My wife didn't believe me. But, alas, here we are... what can I say. I'm brilliant.

Anyway, her work in The Illusionist was wonderful and she continues to command greater roles and more screen time with every film. She's a real natural beauty and, I hope, will someday rise to the level of a true A-list star. It must be frustrating for her... having been in so many projects that have not quite reached their full potential. But she has some nice, real acting moments in Next, which is hard to do in a film such as this. She'll have to fight the likes of Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johannsen for the juiciest roles available for actresses in her age range.

The ever-talented Moore, however, seems miscast as the tough-as-nails FBI agent. Her "tough guy" lines just don't ring true. I wanted to like her... I've liked her in so many films, including Children of Men, but in Next... well, I hope she doesn't play another tough gal.

The pacing and direction of Next, helmed by Lee Tamahori, are well done. The special effects, however, were surprisingly weak at times. Seemed like old technology was being used or something. Odd to sacrifice there on a movie that relies so heavily on it. Or maybe they just hired the wrong company. They spent $70 million bucks on this movie. The SFX look like they spent $20 million.

All that being said, however, Next is a fun movie ride. If you can accept the premise and just enjoy the story, you can forgive the rest.

Plus, the ending is very, very cool.