Tom Cruise Is The Worst Cop In This Streaming Sci-Fi Thriller

By Sckylar Gibby-Brown | Updated

tom cruise

Imagine a world where criminals were stopped before they committed their crimes. Theoretically, the world would be a utopia, a place without corruption—but what happens if someone is accused of a crime they are confident they would never commit? This is the question Steven Spielberg set out to answer in his 2002 sci-fi thriller starring Tom Cruise called Minority Report, which is currently available to stream on Paramount+.

Set in a futuristic Washington, D.C., Minority Report introduces viewers to a society where law enforcement utilizes the precognitive abilities of three psychics, known as “precogs,” to prevent murders before they happen.

The Tom Cruise-led Minority Report is streaming on Paramount+.

Led by the enigmatic Precrime Chief John Anderton (Tom Cruise), the Precrime Department has virtually eradicated premeditated homicides. However, as tensions rise and secrets unravel, Anderton himself becomes the target of a future murder prediction. 

The movie follows Tom Cruise’s character as he is forced to go on the run, delving into a world of corruption, manipulation, and a shocking revelation about the very system he had devoted his life to. Written by Scott Frank and Jon Cohen, the film blends elements of tech noir, whodunit, thriller, and science fiction, delivering an intricate narrative that challenges the boundaries of free will and determinism.

Despite the failure of A.I., the star power of Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise combined proved to be enough to draw an audience into the theaters, and Minority Report garnered over $358 million globally…

At the heart of Minority Report is Tom Cruise’s riveting portrayal of John Anderton. Cruise’s performance captures the complexity of a man haunted by personal tragedy, addiction, and a relentless pursuit of justice. As the story unfolds, Cruise navigates Anderton’s emotional rollercoaster with precision, allowing audiences to empathize with his struggles and dilemmas.

Upon its release, Minority Report was met with a wave of anticipation, partly due to Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg‘s star power. However, many critics were doubtful that the film would make any money for the studio. The previous year, Spielberg had released A.I., which hadn’t hit box office expectations, and critics speculated that following A.I. with another high-concept sci-fi would also receive lukewarm results.

tom cruise
Minority Report (2002)

Despite the failure of A.I., the star power of Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise combined proved to be enough to draw an audience into the theaters, and Minority Report garnered over $358 million globally, a substantial achievement considering its $102 million production budget. Even with Cruise and Spielberg taking home a combined 30 percent of the profits, Minority Report became a box office success.

The critical response was also positive, with reviewers praising Tom Cruise’s performance, Spielberg’s direction, and the seamless integration of groundbreaking visual effects. The film’s exploration of thought-provoking themes, particularly the balance between free will and determinism, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

However, the film did not escape criticism entirely. Some reviewers found fault with the intricate plot, deeming it too complex for casual moviegoers to fully grasp. The film’s runtime was also a point of contention, as some felt the nearly two-and-a-half-hour film hindered the pacing and accessibility of the narrative.

Despite being released more than 20 years ago, the film’s exploration of ethical dilemmas, technological advancements, and the consequences of unchecked power remains relevant in our rapidly changing world.

Nevertheless, these minor criticisms paled in comparison to the overall impact and resonance of Tom Cruise’s Minority Report.

tom cruise
Minority Report (2002)

While every movie will have its haters, the majority of the world was mesmerized by Minority Report, and the film was nominated for numerous awards. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Editing and eleven Saturn Award nominations, including Best Actor for Tom Cruise, Best Supporting Actor, and Saturn Award for Best Music.

It won Best Science Fiction Film, Best Direction, Best Writing, and Best Supporting Actress for Samantha Morton, who played Agatha Lively. 

Over the years, Minority Report has evolved into a cinematic gem that continues to captivate and provoke discussion. Despite being released more than 20 years ago, the film’s exploration of ethical dilemmas, technological advancements, and the consequences of unchecked power remains relevant in our rapidly changing world. Because of this, Minority Report has gone down in history as one of the best movies for both Steven Spielberg’s and Tom Cruise’s filmography. 

Minority Report has become well known as one of the best sci-fi movies released in the 2000s. This is in part to Spielberg’s desire to create a realistic future world (he consulted numerous scientists to make this happen) and in part to Tom Cruise’s compelling portrayal of John Anderton. As technology and ethics continue to shape our future, the questions raised by the film about the balance between human agency and determinism remain as relevant as ever.