Last year, on this day, Spielbergians were awaiting the highly anticipated sci-fi drama A.I. from Steven Spielberg due on June 29th, 2001. With almost a year gone, the legendary and household filmmaker returns to science fiction yet again but this time with fresh and slick style. Based on the short story by Philip K. Dick and written for screen by Scott Frank and Jon Cohen, Minority Report is a perfect action oriented summer film with magnificent performances, outstanding direction, compelling cinematography and thrilling music. Unlike most summer flicks, which lack substance, Minority Report is able to capture basic elements of storytelling in a unique yet classic fashion.

Many of us have complained over the past several months that Minority Report trailers have given away too much in terms of story. That is so not true. Like how Spielberg said to his interview to Starlog Magazine trailers are cut together to deceive you, not in a fraudulent way, but in a way to deflect your attention from more important elements of the story that I am not willing to give away. Indeed, the main premise is a chase of Tom Cruise (Chief John Anderton) but the vast layer of the story is not revealed unless you have read all the media interviews and recent reviews. Now, without further due here is my review to 'Minority Report' which I have waited to write for almost a year.

The one thing I have always adored about Spielberg films is that regardless of them being big summer event films or Oscar worthy dramatic tales, he loves to cast people from across the globe and bring out their marvelous performances. Although, Tom Cruise is a great actor, I never expected him to give a multi-caliber performance in a big budget summer film. Colin Farrell (Ed Witwer), who impressed Spielberg by his performance in Tigerland plays a strong protagonist out to hunt down Cruise' character Anderton career. I haven't seen him in many films except Tigerland but must say that he delivers a sound performance. Both these leading stars are so natural in their roles that when you see them in their opening scenes, you won't feel "oh, here comes tom the big star or there is colin, the next big thing". Of course, a director has a strong hand in making sure that his/her actors are shown as ordinary people instead of celebrities but only great actors can execute such a terrific performance.

Other supporting cast like Samantha Morton (Agatha), Kathryn Morris (Lara Anderton), Neal McDonough (Officer Fletcher) and the legendary Max von Sydow (Burgess) play significant role in carrying the story from start to end. Although, most of the supporting cast is good, Samantha Morton impressed me the most. She plays this innocent character packed with emotions. I am not going to say more than that because it will spoil the story for you but her reaction shots are extremely powerful. Several times, I felt as if she is part of the audience's world, making us feel for the rest of the characters and story. A bright future is in works for her. Also, there are also cameos by Cameron Crowe (lasts about 5 second) and you can't miss him in the subway scene. However, Cameron Diaz behind him is hard to spot.

The film features some of the most coolest product placement which is integrated without getting the feel that it is a sponsor. Without telling you too much, there is a cool cereal box which has a Spielberg feel to it, then humorous scene at GAAP Store, and other neat and nifty cool futuristic stuff. However, the Lexus Car stands out the most among the sponsors and must say that car looked pretty awesome on the big screen.

As always, it is a treat to watch Spielberg film in a music form which can only be done by John Williams. He is a genius when it comes to transmitting emotions and feelings of characters through his magical music. In Minority Report, he gives us beautiful sentimental themes as well as action oriented tracks which will bring back memories from films like Jurassic Park and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Although, all 16 tracks on the soundtrack are beautifully done, for me Track 10 and 16 stand out. Both are filled with mesmerizing piano and action theme score. A definite winner among Spielberg/Williams fans.

Another Spielberg longtime teammate, Michael Kahn puts together another great sci-fi film in a beautiful yet haunting style. No doubt the entire movie is done without a flaw but I love the editing of the "look into the future montages". They have a very niffty look to them and I am sure it took a lot of meetings and time between Kahn and Spielberg to create those montages.

Unlike George Lucas' Star Wars films which are broganza of Special Effects and so easy to distinguish from reality, Spielberg films are quite the opposite. His theory of utilizing less effects and more story has been working since he began his career 27 years ago. In Minority Report, he ensures the same process by putting out Effects only when necessary. ILM, PDI DreamWorks, Asylum Effects, Black Box Digital, Digital Firepower and Reel EFX are the companies involved in creating the world of Minority Report. However, the intense Effects are handled by ILM and PDI DreamWorks. I will be giving you guys a detailed rundown as to "who did what" when I speak to FX Supervisors of each of these companies in coming weeks. The best special effects scene for me as seen in the trailer is the Spyder scene. They are funky looking creatures with so much personality and character that you cannot dislike them despite their role.

Ever since his first feature film Duel, Spielberg has been on the course of exceeding his own talent and abilities with his following film. There have been few exceptions here and there but 90% of the times the 55 year old director challenges himself and his audience with a fresh story and style. I can't wait to see his version of Catch Me If You Can due on Christmas Day and Indiana Jones 4 in July 2005.

Kaminski is a genius in the world of cinematography and a perfect match for every Spielberg film since Schindler's List. The lighting used in this film is so unconventional for sci-fi genre but it blends pe rfectly. A perfect example is the opening sequence which is a simple montage of scenes but with the help of lighting and editing, it becomes extremely compelling and attractive.

On a scale of 1-10, Minority Report lands on a perfect 10 with a sound screenplay that consists of numerous twists that will have you biting your nails. Everything from performances to direction is right on the dot. It is so good to see another side of Spielberg yet again but even better to see that he hasn't left his roots. Like Jurassic Park, A.I. and Jaws, this genius man tackles the theme of man vs. nature once again. Catch this glorifying sci-fi epic this weekend in theatres across North America.