Even seasoned movie fans occasionally need an easygoing action-adventure film that doesn't demand much thought—something as substantial as a large bucket of heavily buttered popcorn is in terms of nutritional value. This latest offering from Timur Bekmambetov fulfills that desire, providing a pleasurable escape that feels like a computer-generated imitation of “Minority Report” (2002), but set in a crime-filled version of Los Angeles sometime in the future. To deal with an increase in violent acts, the City of Angels has created a new legal system called the Mercy Court, where artificial intelligence presides over trials based on the idea of quick justice, taking on the usual roles of judge, jury and executioner. Defendants are given 90 minutes to demonstrate their innocence, which is a reversal of the traditional assumption of innocence until proven guilty—failing to do so can quickly lead to a death sentence. During these trials, defendants have unlimited access to legal information and surveillance records to prove they’re not guilty, but the judges stick strictly to the facts in their analyses and decisions, offering little room for legal maneuvering. With time running out, any attempts at building a defense must move swiftly. The system's reliability is seriously tested when Det. Chris Raven (Chris Pratt), who championed the Mercy Court, finds himself on trial for the brutal murder of his wife, Nicole (Annabelle Wallis)—a crime he claims he didn’t commit and can’t recall. Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson) carries out her duties according to her programming's strict rules, leaving the increasingly frustrated officer struggling to prove his innocence as his time dwindles. The story then unfolds with a complex series of false leads, distractions, and unexpected discoveries, some of which might seem completely unbelievable and exaggerated. But this is the kind of film that asks viewers to put aside logic as the plot progresses, featuring plenty of fast-paced action and some of the best car chases since “Speed” (1994). "Mercy" isn't revolutionary cinema, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Still, it's an enjoyable, lighthearted winter escape that also includes a warning about the dangers of questionable technology and an unchecked police force to give it some modern-day relevance. Ultimately, lower your expectations for this one and don’t overthink it—just relax and enjoy yourself.

Source on TMDB