Movie review: Next
Based on the Philip K. Dick story Golden Man, Next is a fast-paced action-thriller that constantly keeps audiences guessing. Cris Johnson (Nicholas Cage) is a Las Vegas magician with a special ability that helps him both during his magic act and at the casino - he can see the future. The catch is that his ability is limited; he can only see two minutes into the future and only when the future events involve him. The one exception to Johnson’s extrasensory abilities comes in the form of Liz (Jessica Biel). Johnson has a vision of meeting Liz that extends far beyond his normal two minute time limit, alerting him to an unusual connection between him and Liz and rendering him determined to find her.
While Johnson is waiting for Liz to enter his life, FBI agent Callie Ferris (Oscar winner Julianne Moore) is working desperately to enter Johnson’s life. Recent intelligence has reported the smuggling of a nuclear weapon onto American soil and it is Ferris’s job to ensure that the nuke is not detonated. Ferris believes that Johnson and his special ability are the key to stopping the terrorists and saving thousands of lives. Unfortunately, the terrorists are also aware of Johnson’s ability and are intent on clouding his visions so that they can complete their mission. How do the terrorists intend to distract Johnson? By kidnapping the one person he can’t get out of his mind - Liz.
Next is a lively film that does not follow a linear path. Like Johnson’s glimpses into the future, the film follows several different courses at once, often doubling back on itself as Johnson tries to determine the correct course of action at a given time. Cage is wonderful as the eccentric Johnson forced to live with an ability that is both blessing and curse. Biel’s role is little more than that of motivation for the lead actor and eye candy for the audience, but she does what she can with the limited material. Moore, surprisingly, seems a little ill-suited for the role of ends-justify-the-means FBI agent Ferris and it was strange to see her floundering, but eventually she finds her niche within the film.
With its twists, turns, and constant double-takes, Next is a film that may require more than one viewing. It takes a plot that is actually quite straightforward and manages to distort it, keeping the audience constantly on its toes and guessing what will happen next. Philip K. Dick’s stories are known for holding up well in the transformation from book to film, and Next is no exception. This is definitely one movie you’ll want to rent this weekend.