Hollywood rarely has the balls to blend two genres into a single movie, especially one that is split directly down the middle. DEJA VU has the distinction of being one that is attempted, even if it does not succeed. Exactly one half criminal procedural and one half time-travel techno-thriller (which seems to spring up out of almost nowhere), the resultant film caused a rift between the screenwriters and director Tony Scott who apparently 'riddled the film with plot-holes that did not exist on the page'. Audiences, of course, don't care for filmmakers who play the blame game, but it is the story-problems that ultimately undoes this otherwise fun and rather engaging thriller.

The first two acts of this film are the strongest, particular the very beginning which is a clean and interesting procedural about a terrorist bombing which - in all honestly - would've made a fantastic film on its own. As the sci-fi elements kick in, things take a weird turn, but they are buttressed against some neato scenes of Hollywood Existentialism Of Time-Travel 101 which gives weight and power to the ideas being expressed. Unfortunately for all involved, the last third of the story tears itself apart in a ludicrous and nonsensical action-chase-to-prevent-the-bomb-from-going-off sequence which throws all the rules and interesting theoretical issues, raised by the film earlier, completely aside. Whether that is by the design of the writers or by director Tony Scott's interference, the movie doesn't withstand its finale and explodes into an irritating cloud of 'who-cares?' that will stay with you long after the movie is over.

DEJA VU is quintessential Hollywood in both its strengths and its weaknesses and for that it remains an entertaining distraction. However be warned: the more you fall in love with the film, the more it'll hurt when it cheats on you at the end.