"Next" Not Strong, But Concept Thrills

In a movie world where the sea of DVDs is growing larger by the minute, and where most of the titles are throw-a-way fare, it grows increasingly difficult for movies to stand out on the shelf. This was true for Next as a few friends and I wandered through the video store. In fact, it was our complete state of indecision that forced us to pick up Next out of complete desperation and morbid curiosity; it looked laughably bad. It didn't help that my recent viewing of the second half of The Wicker Man didn't have me excited to watch Nick Cage either. That movie is terrible! (see the laughably bad, yet accurate YouTube summary here)

It wasn't far into Next when I realized that, despite its obvious deficiencies, it was surprisingly compelling in its concept. The plot centers around "Frank Cadillac" (Cage), a Las Vegas magician who possesses the ability to see two minutes into the future, thus allowing him to alter the outcome. His unique ability is more or less unknown, but the FBI catches on to him after a strange security incident at a casino. As it would turn out, he is the man they need to help them in a matter of national security. It's getting to him that poses the problem - how do you get to a man who knows when you're coming two minutes in advance?

The national security problem is the matter of a small nuclear device that has been smuggled into the US by Russian terrorists (who speak French?). The FBI has no idea when or where it will be detonated and they want Frank (actual name Cris) to help them find the device before it is. Of course, two minutes doesn't really seem all that helpful when dealing with nukes, but I suppose you'll take anything you can get.

Enter Liz (Jessica Biel), a woman who for reasons unknown allows Cris to see even farther into the future. He knows this because he has foreseen his first encounter with her an extremely long time in advance, but he doesn't know why. Evidently they are linked somehow, but it is never explained. The compelling aspect of Cris's ability is demonstrated when we see him play out various scenarios in his mind of how to introduce himself to Liz and impress her. Six or seven hypothetical versions are played out on screen before we see the final, correct rendition take place.

From this point on Next is a high energy, mind-bending chase as we watch Cris play out scenario after scenario as he first avoids the FBI and then frantically helps them search for the nuke in order to save Liz. We are never sure what is real and what is merely possibility and he uses his ability at every turn. It is, however, really fun to watch play out.

Next is the latest in a series of Phillip K. Dick stories to be adapted to the big screen, following the likes of Total Recall, Minority Report, Paycheck and Through a Scanner Darkly. As usual, his concept is entertaining even if the rest of the adaptation leaves a lot to be desired. The performances in Next are nothing special from stars Cage, Biel and Julianne Moore. With a two minute lead on the world, Cris is virtually invincible and can only really be caught when he allows himself to be. This is one of the most powerful abilities I have ever come across! Combine that with the ability in the upcoming Hayden Christiansen film Jumper and you have an unstoppable human being!

Next isn't an incredible film, but it was a surprise on par with Deja Vu. Science fiction fans should consider this film if you have an evening to kill or if you appreciate Phillip K. Dick. It was entertaining, if only for the concept. 7/10