All this talk about movies has made me think about "Minority Report." Specifically, I can't help but think that if it had a stronger ending it would be in better contention for the Oscar race.

My only real complaint with the film as compared to the story is that it greatly tones down the question of whether or not PreCrime works. The story eventually comes down on the side of PreCrime, suggesting the only reason Anderton's situation was different was because he had specific knowledge about the output of the Pre-Cogs. Ultimately, Anderton makes a considerable sacrifice in order to *save* PreCrime from being shut down (this twist is my favorite thing from the story, and I was sad it did not occur in the movie, but I suppose it wouldn't fit the movie's theme).

The movie, however, decides to shut PreCrime down entirely and only flirts with the real issue: was it actually broken? The only way it can be abused, seemingly, is by people directly involved in its operation. Could it not be mended?

The movie seems to be saying that the entire concept of punishing people before they commit crimes is morally wrong, but I'm not sure it makes its case. Conspiracy is a crime, and should be. If we have other evidence that you will commit a crime, it seems logical to lock you up in order to prevent said crime. I agree that the film's prison system was incredibly harsh -- in the story, people guilty of commiting "future murders" are sent to isolation camps or expelled to an off-world colony. The net benefit to society of stopping all murder seems like it may very well be worth the cost of a few possible flaws in the judicial system. After all, no judicial system is perfect, right? Though we go to great pains to ensure the innocent aren't punished in our current judicial system, we all know it happens and we accept it as a cost of doing business.

"Minority Report," the film, has an ending that seems too abrupt to me. We are told that PreCrime is shut down and *everyone* is released. It seems to me that if the movie would have really dwelled on the ramifications of this, it would be taken a bit more seriously than it is.

Thoughts?

Ste "The movie is a masterpiece, regardless" phen