“Next” is a cheesy sci-fi movie but it’s done with enough creativity to make it fun. The film is based on the work of Philip K. Dick, whose work also inspired other movies including “Blade Runner” and “Minority Report” and while “Next” certainly isn’t as good as those films, I think it is unfairly overlooked.

Nicolas Cage (“Ghost Rider”, “Face/Off”) plays a Las Vegas magician by the name of Cris Johnson. Johnson has the ability to see two minutes into his own future so a government agent (Julianne Moore “Hannibal”) thinks he can help stop a group of international terrorists that have smuggled a nuclear weapon into the United States.

Nicolas Cage gives an enjoyable performance as the man blessed/cursed with the ability to see into his very near future. It’s great when he’s able to dodge bullets and narrowly avoid being hit by a speeding train. Jessica Biel (“Stealth”, “Hitchcock”) plays Liz Cooper and does a good job. For some unknown reason, Cris can see far into this woman’s future compared to the two minutes of his own future that he can see. The two have some decent onscreen chemistry. Julianne Moore is okay as the agent trying to capture Johnson. The bad guys aren’t remotely memorable.

The worst aspect of “Next” is the special effects because they really aren’t impressive and it’s a shame because there are a few sequences when the movie could’ve been helped by some better effects. I think this a good sci-fi movie and I actually think the ending is alright but I can see many people finding it very unsatisfying. If you don’t like movies with lots of chase scenes then you probably not going to like this movie but I think most people should give “Next” a chance because this a fun and exciting movie.