Directed by
Lee Tamahori
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Cris Johnson, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, possesses a unique gift that allows him to glimpse into his future, albeit only for a duration of two minutes and exclusively concerning himself. This peculiar ability is complicated further by a singular vision of a woman entering a diner—one that drives him to visit the establishment daily at 8:09 in hopes of meeting her. By day, Cris performs as a small-time magician in Las Vegas, supplementing his earnings through gambling, expertly using his power to win modest sums against the house.
His unusual talents soon draw the interest of NSA Agent Callie Ferris, who has deduced his potential to assist in thwarting a nuclear threat posed by Russian terrorists. However, before Ferris can make contact, Cris’s gambling exploits attract the attention of casino security. By forecasting the actions of those pursuing him, he skillfully eludes both his pursuers and the local police.
Despite skepticism from NSA Director Wisdom (Jim Beaver), Ferris is given a challenge: track down Cris within five days. Teaming up with fellow agent Cavanaugh (Tory Kittles), she locates Cris but loses him when he anticipates her arrival. Having foresaw the entire conversation with Ferris, he is well-prepared for her attempts to enlist his help.
One evening, as he resumes his vigil at the diner, he finally encounters Liz Cooper, played by Jessica Biel—the woman from his earlier vision. Cris discovers that he holds the power not only to see the future but also to manipulate it based on his actions. When Liz’s aggressive ex-boyfriend confronts them, Cris envisions multiple outcomes of his interference and strategically chooses his actions to win Liz’s favor. As she is heading towards Flagstaff, Cris cunningly persuades her to give him a ride, unaware that Ferris is tailing them while the terrorists, monitoring FBI movements, tighten their grip.
With the nuclear device’s location traced back to Los Angeles, Ferris convinces her superiors to include Cris in their operation, especially as the threat inches closer to realization. In a race against time, Cris and Liz find themselves spending the night in a motel, where Ferris attempts to dissuade Liz, alleging that Cris is dangerous. In a surprising twist, Liz defies Ferris and warns Cris about the impending danger, revealing the reality of his foresight.
After a daring rescue against some falling logs puts Cris in the FBI’s crosshairs, he finds himself taken captive as the terrorists kidnap Liz. The NSA pressures Cris to yield a vision that will aid them. Instead of foreseeing the bomb’s detonation, he sees a terrible scenario where Liz is fatally harmed, strapped to a bomb vest. This drives him to escape and rush to save her.
In a tense showdown at the parking garage, Cris uses his abilities to dodge bullets while engaging with the terrorists, revealing just how potent his powers can be. With the terrorist threat seemingly neutralized, they soon discover the bomb has already been relocated. As they attempt to track it, Ferris shows Cris a seismograph to help him uncover any signs of the impending explosion. However, as he concentrates, he realizes he has made a dreadful miscalculation; the bomb explodes at sea, devastating the port and inflicting catastrophic damage on the city.
In a twist of fate, time resets to a day before in their hotel room in Arizona. Realizing that Liz’s involvement has allowed him to envision the chain of events leading to the nuclear catastrophe, Cris acknowledges the profound impact of choice on the future. With renewed purpose, he contacts Ferris to offer his help once more, assuring Liz he will return. > “Every time you look into the future, it changes.”
Cris's Unique Gift
Cris Johnson discovers he has the ability to see two minutes into his own future. This unusual talent leads him to live a life of petty gambling and small-time magic in Las Vegas.
Daily Vigil at the Diner
Every day at 8:09, Cris visits a diner in hopes of meeting a mysterious woman he has seen in his visions. He feels compelled to find her and this drives a significant part of his life.
NSA's Interest
NSA Agent Callie Ferris becomes aware of Cris's abilities and sees him as a potential asset to prevent a looming nuclear threat from Russian terrorists. She aims to make contact and recruit him for the mission.
Casino Pursuit
As Cris continues his gambling spree using his powers, he inadvertently catches the attention of casino security. He must use his foresight to evade them and the local police.
Finding Cris
With a tight deadline of five days, Ferris and her partner Cavanaugh track down Cris. However, Cris anticipates Ferris's arrival, managing to evade her attempts to connect.
Meeting Liz
Cris finally meets Liz Cooper, the woman from his visions. This encounter reveals his ability not just to foresee the future, but also to influence it through his choices.
Ride to Flagstaff
Cris persuades Liz to give him a ride towards Flagstaff while oblivious to the threats tailing them, including Ferris and the terrorists. This marks a turning point in both their lives.
Nuclear Threat Emerges
Ferris determines that the nuclear threat has a location traced back to Los Angeles. She secures Cris's involvement in the operation to help neutralize the danger.
Motel Night
Cris and Liz spend the night in a motel, where Ferris attempts to dissuade Liz from being with Cris. However, Liz warns Cris about the imminent danger, revealing his foresight's reality.
Kidnapping and Capture
After a tense moment involving falling logs, Liz is kidnapped by terrorists. Cris finds himself in custody as the NSA pressures him to provide critical insights into the situation.
A Vision of Danger
Cris experiences a horrifying vision where Liz is in mortal danger, strapped to a bomb vest. This profoundly disturbs him and fuels his determination to escape and rescue her.
Showdown with Terrorists
In a climactic encounter at a parking garage, Cris uses his powers to outsmart and fight against the terrorists, showcasing the extent of his abilities to dodge bullets and plan strategically.
Realization of a Grave Mistake
Despite neutralizing the immediate terrorist threat, Cris realizes that he has miscalculated the bomb's location. The devastating explosion at sea leads to massive destruction in the city.
Time Resets
In a shocking twist, Cris finds himself back in the hotel room a day earlier. He understands that Liz's presence has significantly affected his visions and the course of events.
A New Resolve
Determined to change the outcome, Cris reaches out to Ferris to offer his assistance once again. He assures Liz that he will return, emphasizing his new understanding of choice and its impact on the future.
Cris Johnson
Cris Johnson is a small-time magician with the extraordinary ability to see glimpses of his future, which he uses strategically to navigate challenges. He struggles with the implications of his powers, often feeling overwhelmed by the burden of knowing potential outcomes. His determination to protect Liz and evade threats showcases his resilience and moral complexity.
Callie Ferris
Callie Ferris is a tenacious NSA agent determined to utilize Cris's unique gift in the fight against terrorism. She is pragmatic and focused, willing to take risks to ensure national security, but shows a degree of empathy towards Cris. Her character reveals the challenges of balancing duty with understanding the humanity of those involved.
Liz Cooper
Liz Cooper is a central figure in Cris's life, a woman whose presence drives his motivations. She is portrayed as compassionate and brave, standing by Cris in critical moments despite the dangers they face. Her relationship with Cris emphasizes the importance of love and personal connections amidst the chaos of their lives.
Time period
Modern Day
The movie is set in the contemporary era, reflecting the realities of modern technology and the ongoing threat of terrorism. This time period features elements of urgency and technological advancement, especially in the context of national security and intelligence operations.
Location
Las Vegas, Arizona, Los Angeles, Flagstaff
Las Vegas is a vibrant city known for its bustling entertainment scene, casinos, and nightlife, serving as the backdrop for Cris's gambling exploits. Arizona provides a desert landscape that contrasts with the urban atmosphere of Las Vegas, highlighting Cris's journey. Los Angeles is a major city that represents the looming nuclear threat in the narrative, while Flagstaff serves as a pivotal point in Cris's connection with Liz.
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Fate
The theme of fate plays a crucial role as Cris learns that his ability to see the future can be manipulated through choice. Each decision he makes impacts the potential outcomes of his visions, showcasing the delicate balance between destiny and free will. The movie explores how understanding one's future can lead to significant changes in the present.
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Love
Love emerges as a strong theme as Cris's connection with Liz drives his actions and decisions. Despite the chaos surrounding them, their relationship becomes a source of motivation for Cris, pushing him to save her and alter the dire future he sees. This romantic bond highlights the intersection of personal stakes with larger threats.
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Conflict
Conflict arises on multiple levels, including Cris's internal struggle with his powers and the external threats from terrorists. The tension between the NSA's pursuit of Cris and his desire to live a normal life amplifies the narrative's urgency. Ultimately, the climax centers around the battle to save Liz and avert disaster.
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