Knowing Review
Knowing
Directed by: Alex Proyas
Written by: Ryne Pearson, Juliet Snowden, Stiles White, Stuart Hazeldine, Alex Proyas
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Chandler Canterbury, Rose Byrne, Lara Robinson, Nadia Townsend
Back in the late ’90s, Alex Proyas was a director that had earned himself a lot of admirers. He had two dark and visually stunning cult hits under his belt with The Crow and Dark City (the latter of which Roger Ebert continues to sing the praises of to this day), before he threw everyone a curve ball and he went in a completely different direction with the rock n roll coming of age movie Garage Days. He followed that with the disappointing Will Smith action sci-fi blockbuster I, Robot. Suddenly no one knew what to think of the guy anymore.
Five years later, Proyas has returned to his sci-fi/horror roots with a movie called Knowing, but with the plot shrouded in mystery and Nicolas Cage in the lead role, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the project. Could it possibly be a return to form for this talented filmmaker, or would it prove to be just another Nicolas Cage dud in the vein of Next, Ghost Rider or (god forbid) The Wicker Man? Well, although it’s no Dark City, let’s just say that the impending disaster that a lot of people predicted never actually comes to pass.
The movie opens in the year 1959, with an elementary school preparing to bury a time capsule containing predictions of the future as drawn by the students. One little girl is not drawing a picture, however. Instead she is furiously scribbling a series of strange numbers on the page, seemingly possessed. Fifty years later, the time capsule is opened and her scribblings end up in the hands of Caleb Koestler (Chandler Canterbury), son of astrophysicist John Koestler (Nicolas Cage). He has recently lost his mother in a tragic fire, and thinks that there may be some sort of puzzle in the numbers. His father thinks otherwise, until one night, after a few drinks he happens to notice a pattern in amongst the randomness: a list of major catastrophes around the world and the number of people who died in them. Even more alarming is the fact that not all of them have happened yet.
Needless to say, the first half of Knowing starts down a fairly predictable path where he tries to warn people but no one believes him; meanwhile his son starts to see eerie visions and hear whispers that are somehow connected. There are a handful of plot points that seem a little too convenient, and some familiar elements from other movies we’ve seen many times before, but the mystery continues to drive things forward.
Eventually there comes a point where the movie really throws down the gauntlet and proves that it might have something new to offer after all. You may have seen clips or heard about a certain plane crash scene in the movie, and all I can say is wow… this intense single-shot sequence of visual effects mastery could be on par with some of the more visceral continuous scenes in Alfonso Cuaron’s Children of Men. The movie actually has a few other jaw-dropping special effects set pieces that follow, many of which seem to have been withheld from trailers and commercials in order to avoid spoilers. It may actually be worth seeing the movie for these alone.
From here on in, the movie changes course and hurtles off in some unexpected directions, and you’ll either come along for the ride or find it a little too preposterous to process. Personally, I was hooked at this point, thanks in large part to the skillful direction of Mr. Alex Proyas. What Knowing reminded me of most was a really solid M. Night Shyamalan movie — not Lady in the Water or The Happening, but something harkening back to Signs and The Sixth Sense. I realize that this won’t be a selling point for everyone since Signs had its share of detractors, but the important point is that the atmosphere and suspense tend to override the thin logic in most cases. There is some really creepy imagery in this flick (what is it with Proyas and pale skinned people in dark trench coats?), and an overwhelming sense of dread that stems from a powerful score by Marco Beltrami.
The movie’s main weakness is, as expected, Nicolas Cage. With someone else in the lead role, this probably could have been a much more well-rounded film. Instead, we have to put up with Cage’s odd moments of overacting, where he fails to fully sell the half-crazed man who is shaken by the things he has seen, but also lays on the cheese during some of the more heartfelt moments with his son. It’s not nearly as bad a performance as some of his previous films, but it’s definitely inconsistent at best. The good news is there is one fun scene where he hits a tree with a baseball bat and challenges, “You want some?”. Believe me, it’s gold.
Fortunately, Cage’s cornball delivery does not ruin the movie. There are bigger things at work here. Knowing is a surprisingly effective (if somewhat disposable) thriller, one that requires a little imagination, but also one that doesn’t end up where you expect it to. (Trust me when I say that that this movie has very little resemblance to either Next or The Number 23.) If you’re the type of person who needs every loose end tied up and every little nuance explained, then Knowing may irk you. But considering that we’ve been subject to so many poor paint-by-numbers supernatural thrillers over the past few years, seeing one that is this enjoyable and this competently made is definitely a pleasure to behold. I don’t know if I’d say Alex Proyas has quite redeemed himself with Knowing, but at this point, he’s definitely back on my radar. — Sean
SCORE: 
Recommended If You Like: Signs, Dark City, Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Comments (108)
I have to say I would see this movie if it weren’t for Nick Cage. That’s the only thing holding me back really. I can’t fathom why he still gets work, he’s absolutely terrible. I even like Alex Proyas as a director, but I’m probably gonna wait until DVD. Even then, I might not see it. Quit hiring Nicolas Cage!!!!!!
Posted by Dane on March 20th, 2009I agree. The trailer seems really interesting, but seeing Nick, as the main character, some what has me and my brother crackin up about it. (as if it were the sequel to his earlier movie, Next.” Nicholas Cage in, “Knowing: What’s -Next-. I’d prefer the actor being someone like, Aaron Stanford or Josh Harnett. Nick Cage has been pretty terrible to look at,lately. I think it’s all those lousy hair pieces he wears; and his acting doesn’t do it for me anymore. Last good movie I remember him doing was, Lord of War; and before that… probably, Wild at Heart/ Raising Arizona.
Posted by Derek on March 20th, 2009Hmm. I might check this out now.
Posted by Neil M on March 20th, 2009Wow, Ebert gave it 4 stars. I wouldn’t go that far.
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090318/REVIEWS/903189991
Posted by Sean on March 20th, 2009I love Alex and was one of the very many who was impressed with his debut feature “The Crow”, and his follow-up “Dark City”. I was expecting him to be the next great “one”! But then came I-Robot and I was like “What happened”??????????? And then more movie projects just never came…he kind of just disappeared.
With “Knowing”, I’m skeptical of this movie especially since Nic Cage is attached, but I must admit the subject matter intrigues me and I still remember the potential I saw of Alex in “Crow” and “D City”. But is it enough to get me to go? Maybe to a half priced matinee or just wait until rental.
Posted by 1138 on March 20th, 2009While his last movies have not been all that spectacular, I still think Nicolas Cage is the kind of guy that can make a movie. Maybe it’s a love/hate thing, but I am anxious to see this movie and get Bangkok Dangerous and the weird hair out of my system.
Posted by Jared on March 20th, 2009Just caught the film. It managed to surprise me several times, something that is rare for movies. I agree with the comparison to Shyamalan’s work.
Posted by Sky on March 20th, 2009This movie is pure genius! Just think how many movies are out there that glorify money, drugs, and sex, etc. without any hint whatsoever of spiritial principles and moral values. You see, I believe this film’s ‘target’ audience is not those who already believe. The people who created this thing are truly enlightened and understand what it means to be a fisher of men in today’s world. This medium of modern-day technology just happens to be their fishing-rod. They realize that they have to be subtle in order to not shut people down from recieving the message. They have successfully warmed peoples imaginations toward their Source, our Creator. And stirred some peoples hearts so that they might acquire a seeker’s mindset.This film even has “Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life” planted in it on the side of truck toward the very end.This film is actually radical evangelism at it’s best!
Posted by The Reverent One on March 20th, 2009Well, honestly I just watched the movie and it is not bad. It really leaves you thinking, especially with the current events that are really happening. Check it out you might even like it.
Posted by Karla on March 21st, 2009Chandler is absolutely great in this movie. To think that he will help populate the future world is fantastic. He acts as if he has been acting all of his life. Good work Chandler!
Posted by Dylan on March 21st, 2009I can’t say I liked this movie… but I also can’t say I hate it. The whole semi-Scientology theme kind of threw off me; as a scientist, and a believer in a higher power, but a disbeliever in the possibility there are conditions that can sustain intelligent life anywhere else, I wasn’t too fond of that (even with that said, the Matrix bothered me in the same way but I still enjoy it). The movie, in my opinion, was disturbing, surprising, clever, and amazing all at once. The shaking camera gave me a feeling of vertigo, but also a sense that I was RIGHT THERE with every event. Still, I recommend people go see it for themselves. It seems like opinions are mixed with this movie.
Posted by Erin Moore on March 21st, 2009this movie is beyond a doubt intriguing. i agree with the review that to a certain point themes in previous movies are pretty much in full effect…but there comes a point when the director hits overdrive and you are totally immersed.. a rare experience. I sense that every reviewer agrees this movie is profound… i came out with a subtle amazement at the amount of reflection i was doing! however, i feel the emotion and implications knowing offers will bother the close minded which is what a great movie does…force the viewer into an improbable situation to change his/her perspective on the trivial matters we call life.
Posted by Ken on March 21st, 2009I have recently seen “Knowing,” and I would have to say in my opinion it stunk.
I couldn’t understand a thing that was going on, and over three fourths of the movie was non-action.
Nicholas Cage was a good actor, but the movie cusses, and the movie is way too loud and graphic!
The bottom line is, do not spend your money on this bland film.
Posted by Sean Smith on March 21st, 2009Don’t waste your money on this one. Wait for it to be in the $5 bin at Wal-mart, or better yet, use your free pass at Redbox when it comes out on DVD. Totally preposterous movies, with less-than-satisfying ending. Pseudo Horror, Sci-Fi, and a big dash of Erich Von Daniken. If they gave Oscars for performances where the actor could sustain an expressionless appearance, Nick Cage would win hands down. And maybe Mr. “The Reverent One” and I were not watching the same movie, but I found this movie to be Anti-Bible and Anti-God. Come on, the ending! If this is “Radical Evangelism” then give it up. Give me the Good Book any day over junk like this.
Posted by Jim W. on March 21st, 2009I enjoyed and would recommend this one, put together Final Destination, Some X-files, The Day The Earth Stood Still and you’ve got Knowing. Good acting by the kids and good effects too. Cage has a hit finally. Grade B+
Posted by Chris Lobdell on March 21st, 2009When did Film Junk become a botany site?
Posted by Dave on March 21st, 2009I just saw the film. Still thinking about it all which for me signal a really good film. Whenever a film gets you thinking its a signal its good. On line with Dark City!
Posted by Mark on March 21st, 2009This movies main weakness is not Nick Cage; it is in fact a mishandling of the story beginning with the realization that knowing does not mean you can impact the future. In other words, the people here cannot make a difference. So the criticism is with the vision itself; unlike Dark City and the Crow, which were about the infinite spirit of “man” to make difference. The last 25 minutes of Knowing unfold (unravel would be more appropriate)like the screenplay were lifted from a far right Christian perspective focusing on what some call The Rapture (where the chose get to leav Earth while it is consumed by the fires of Armegeddon. The stylized imagery at the end of the movie is like an overly zealous bit of propganda. The chosen children, those who heard the whisperings of the pale people,rompacross a new eden with their bunny rabbits to re-populate the human species; a second (or third, or fourth)chance. So there is no human growth here. We do not learn from our mistakes. Of course the writers could have taken a different tack. They could have used instead of “The Rapture” a biblical scene from the Old Testament when the Angel of God said he would spare Soddom and Gomorrah if he could find just one rigtheous soul. Nick Cage played just such a character, adn in the end he found a personal redepemption, not just because he felt the pain of all those who died in spite of his best efforts to save them, but because at the end, he gave up his only son to a btter life knowing he would die. That single act was the act of a truly righteous man and should have been followed to its logical and satisfying conclusion (the movie was et up for it). The pale people (who are later revealed to be angelic beings, coul dhave protected the earth from the solar blast with the energy wings, thus giving mankind time to grow spirituall, and providing an ultimately satisfying end to a rather orindary story.
Posted by PDB on March 21st, 2009I seen this movie tonight and thought it was awesome (and it takes a lot to impress me). Nick Cage is one of my favorite actors I don’t know why all the hate towards him… See this movie it rocked!
Posted by mastery on March 22nd, 2009Saw this movie yesterday and was totally blown away. It’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen and Nicholas Cage was perfect for the role.
Posted by Pam on March 22nd, 2009I saw this on Friday, and was VERY impressed. The ending was absolutely mind-blowing. I didn’t think Nick Cage was bad at all. What a doomy film though. Oh, and what’s up with people giving films a bad review because they couldn’t understand it? That reflects more on them, than on the movie, doesn’t it? I understood every minute of it, and loved it. This movie stuck with me, not one I’ll forget any time soon.
Posted by James Whilly on March 22nd, 2009I thought this movie stunk
Posted by Et on March 22nd, 2009The movie has some good parts but the shining whisperers somewhat lessened the effect of the movie. I would give it two stars.
Posted by bill on March 22nd, 2009SPOILER ALERT — Everything is pre-determined. We only have one choice: To believe in the source of that pre-determinism, or to reject that belief. “Choosing” to believe “saves” you. Choosing against it kills you. Sound familiar?
Good movie. I’ll take a pass on its conclusions.
But if the filmmaker wants to believe in Magic Fairy Gods and spread his vision to the masses…well God bless him.
Posted by ToddL on March 22nd, 2009I understood the movie, but it contradiicted itself too much. There was no reason for the angelic aliens to start Lucinda making the list 50 years prior. Regardless of the list, they still would have called (stalked) the children and convinced (kidnapped) them in order to repopulate. The whole asect of knowing (as in knowing the future) had nothing to do with the ending whatsoever. Everything would have still been the same with or without the list. Likewise, Cage’s character played no real role in the developing plot. Sure, we learn his story and can see him grow and change, but it didn’t fit with the story at all. It was as if the just tacked on the ending after they ran out of material. There were several good scenes: the plane crash was awesome; but, overall this movie just didn’t work for me.
Posted by brandon on March 22nd, 2009This movie was awesome. It appears to me that most unbelievers can’t unobjectively watch this without being offended – which tells me that there are going to be a lot of pissed off atheists walking out of theaters! LOL
Posted by Joe on March 22nd, 2009But seriously, the movie was great and I know it will touch alot of peoples hearts. I was the only one clapping when it was finished, you could feel the tension in the air, it was great, lol.
I find it sloppy and superficial – more like a soap opera than an Apocalyptic story, especially the second half of it.
Posted by Olga on March 23rd, 2009I saw the movie. Just like a Christian(?) to say some atheists are really going to be pissed. All inclusive religion , eh?
Seriously, the movie had excellent special effects. I am a fan of Nicolas Cage, so I thought he did a good job. The ending was a little preachy, and I skipped Sunday School to see it. Only one rabbit? Come on, where was the Ark?
Signed,
Not a non-believer
Posted by Richard on March 23rd, 2009but not a sheep
Oh, I get it, the rabbit is the Easter Bunny. A pagan symbol. So the early Christians were hearing the Whisperers as well, hence the end of days and rapture. It is all very clear to me now.
Posted by Richard on March 23rd, 2009After reading your review Sean I was suprised to see that this movie is actually not doing so hot critically. A 29% on RT. I would of thought the Proyas factor would bring in a little more love than that. But I trust you enough Sean so i’m deffinitly still interested in this thing and hope to see it soon.
Posted by Drew on March 23rd, 2009First off, Cage’s performance was not bad, so stop hating. Secondly, asides form the “i feel like shit because everything that happens in the movie is horrible” effect it leaves on you, the movie was awesome. I love how it plays with religion. Making the the aliens seem to have wings of “angels” so you can assimilate them with what people once saw and called angels. There is also this Rapture thing at the end where the end up taking the children to another planet with big tree in the middle, that some how made me think about Adam and Eve, any one? Asides from all this I kinda ask my self, why? why would “aliens” help the humans?
Posted by robert on March 25th, 2009Wow!!What a Film. While reading all the comments I couldn’t help but add some thought as well.
As a christian that studies the scripture I couldn’t help but feel the awkwardness of this film. We all know the trama of the movie, right? While watching this film I kept asking myself many, many questions.
1. What is the point or purpose of the film?
2. Who,is this little girl that recieves this “profecy” and why is she, according to the movie chosen to recieve the same.
3. Why do these “evil looking beings” later turn out to be “Celestial Angels or gods” that disguise themselves as dark, evil, looking persons that reveal the future to the little boy of what is going to happen on earth turn out to be the Saviours of the chosen ones? If God is the Father, Son and Holy spirit are three in One…why at the end of the Film the movie reveals Four? Don’t u think this is Satan, wanting to imitate God’s purpouse, His plan of Salvation, distorting the truth? If God’s Divinity is composed of three, why does the movie represent 4 beings?
4. If the Bible tells us that each of us will recieve a white stone… all those that are saved..Why does this film present Black stones? Is that not antibiblical? or at least against what God in Heaven will give each and everyone of us that perseveres here on earth.
5. Why do people who believed in the faith and in prophecy in the movie later Die at the end? The pastor and his family? That is not what my Bible says.
This movie saddenns me b/c many people don’t believe in God…Don’t read the Word of God..Then they watch these films, don’t believe anything..Don’t understand the Plan of Salvation…God’s plan to restore humanity..all humanity…Leave to their houses completely Lost…This movie literally made me depressed. This movie does not show us reality
And why this ending? The tree of Knowledge? Of the good and evil? Or Just the tree of Knowledge? Why end the movie like this?
I recomend people to study the Bible…There they will find the answers to life that they r looking for…The emptiness will disapear…
God bless
Posted by rvazquez on March 25th, 2009Should u watch it? Of course why not..
But then Go home, open the Book of Life and STUDY it….That will Save u…and u will live for Eternity with God….
Start with Exodus 20…
Posted by rvazquez on March 25th, 2009Then Go back…read the whole Bible
I must say this movie is awesome. Frm a neutral’s perspective, i think the movie played it safe by playing all sides. i mean atheists shldn’t be offended becos theres nothing saying that the beings at the end were god’s angels. they could be advanced alien beings for all we know; just giving humans a helping hand to survive. also christians shldn’t be offended becos there are hints that side with the religion of the book. stupid people wont understand this movie for sure cos they see things down a narrow tunnel and only from their point of view.
Lots of twists and surprises. Duh the title is purposely meant to mislead u guys so u wont expect what is to come. 4/5 is right on. not a bad movie, best i’ve seen in a long time.
Posted by M. Ali on March 25th, 2009WOW, M Ali, you lighten my knowledge. That means that when we advance in technology, we will get the wings and the looks of them? They must be so advanced to know the future too, I guess we don’t know it all, they do. You said sutpid people would get offendend by the movie…. I think Stupid people would think this movie is awesome.
The tittle did mislead me, because, if you are looking for a 100% acurate prophesy telling book, the only one I know is The Bible, not some numbers. Specially, invencted numbers written by an invencted character of an invected movie. There you go Eintein M. Ali.
You can’t be neutral, because neutral people will be spewn out of God mouth. Revelations 3:16
If you wanna believe your awesome movie, then you have until october 19th. I have until God Comes and I am not a Kid and still going to heaven. Ha ha ha.
Posted by ZR on March 25th, 2009so you think that a book that no one knows the author and was written hundreds of years ago is 100% accurate? LOL at that my brother.
What M. Ali means by advanced aliens is obviously because of there spaceships and and how they are obviously superior. you are pretty STUPID and IGNORANT if you r thinking we r going to have wings when we “advance”, if by that you mean evolve(which i dont know what evolution has in store for us).
and yes they ARE advance enough to see the future. just so you know the fourth dimension is time. if you r to stupid to understand this, then surf the web and instruct yourself.
Posted by robert on March 25th, 2009This is probably the best and will continue to be for some time to come, example of how to ruin a film in 5 minutes. The film goes from a grippy action movie full of suspense and immaculate special effects which truely do have the wow factor, to a late night budget slush fest in which all sense of what might happen next rapidly dissipates into total disbelief that somebody somewhere thought it would all tie in perfectly with what had passed before.
A potentially good film ruined by a god awful ending. It feels cheap that they used such atrocities to push some religious, interbreeding, arian idea of a better life on me.
Posted by Simon H on March 25th, 2009thanks robert, most people are too narrow minded to see all the possibilities and explanations that could hold true in an environment where the variables are not fixed and also where no (main)laws of faith and intelligent thought are broken. Even our religious books speak in the language of old and with it comes rhymes/riddles/symbolism all of which could be interpreted in no fixed way. and which we may never fully understand or grasp properly until we reach actuality.
that said, its just a movie! im not saying i believe it! they could put x-wings or time travel or whatever is part of the script and story. its up to them! all im saying is that it is an underrated film and a well crafted one at that.
Posted by M. Ali on March 25th, 2009going to see it nowwww. and nick cage is a great actor
Posted by gabbi on March 25th, 2009Wow this movie was literally one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen in my life. Was the ending supposed to be serious, or were they just trying to play a joke on us? The saddest part of it is, Cage was the BEST PART OF THE MOVIE. Since when has that happened? If that’s the case, the movie MUST be crumby. Don’t waste your money folks, this is C-movie trash.
Posted by Steven on March 26th, 2009Ok, just got back from this movie, shocked that it is getting good reviews. I was physically angry by the close of this film. I can count the number of films i dislike on one hand, this is one more to that short list. I was utterly shocked at how awful the final third of this movie was. There was tons of foreshadowing in the first half but it never truly matched up with the ending. People have said that you can’t appreciate this movie if you need everything tied up in a nice bow, and i would not consider myself one of those. However, not only did this movie lack a logical sequence of events, it didn’t even leave you wondering about anything, (other than what the f^cK just happened!) I’m so disappointed that i cannot even properly describe my feelings. But i had to say something. HATED IT
Posted by Unknowing on March 26th, 2009I saw this movie last night and am still choking on my own rage! the film was superb up until the last 20 minutes or so when it went beyond down hill. Ive never been so angry at a films ending in my life and ive seen indiana jones 4!!! On a lighter note I think cage was actually pretty good in this film and your reviewer was way to harsh on him.
Posted by Barry on March 26th, 2009why are u idoits complaining about Cage? I think he’s a great actor….he takes acting seriously as it seem to me. Anyway this is a great film, it got alot to do with religious sooo it’s really confusing… Before i go, STOP HATING!! most idoits who doesn’t like this film is because they dont have a brain to figure out what’s going on and properly just some kids that only watch violent films like fucking doom day and shit…
Posted by Pr@No0B on March 28th, 2009Here is my review
http://www.examiner.com/x-3283-Las-Vegas-Film-Examiner~y2009m3d20-Movie-review-Knowing-Nicholas-Cage
thanks for looking.
Posted by terra kihng on March 28th, 2009terra
Liked the graphics they were awesome!!!! Cage did a good job. I felt it promoted scientogy with aliens saving a few and replanting them on a different planet. Nothing in this story line about God just aliens being the higher power. That sucked.
Posted by Laurie on March 29th, 2009Good SciFi story plotting, the professor worked out the code and saved his kid. Why are people getting all worked up and upset when you pay to escape realism.
Posted by Cruieson777 on March 29th, 2009Death as horrific as it seemed was quick and painless.
Arghh! ><
I might buy it on DVD, overall i’d give it about a 8/10 (:
Thanksbaiyaycya<3333 xxx
Weegie
Posted by Ben on March 29th, 2009Hearing all this negative criticism shows me how many people are not like children who are pure of heart, for they are the ones who will be saved. Why are we not seeing what the story is all about. Our minds are closed!!! Maybe it is not exactly like the bible states but it was just a little insight as to what can happen. One way or another this world as we know it will end. I do believe that everything happens for a reason, isn’t it funny how so many movies are being made with a futuristic view of what will or can happen to us,ie;Matrix, Armageddon, Happening, etc. Maybe GOD is trying to tell us all something. The answer is in the bible but we do need to have an open mind and heart to SEE and HEAR what he is trying to tell us.
By the way I thought the movie was GREAT! Why do we make more of things then what they are. So what! there were four angels and the stones were black or they went up in a space ship, when you read revelation in the bible there were many apocalyptic symbolism written by John. Those alone can be confusing but we still understand that in the end GOD would win. And in the end of this movie we also won with a new world and life. This movie was meant to give us HOPE!
Posted by Carmen on March 29th, 2009The movie is great i cant wait for a dvd hey guys better watch it again…
Posted by john on March 30th, 2009This movie is sci-fi GARBAGE in the current depressing vein. I hate spending $10 for a ticket and then the ending sucks; which is exactly where this movie left me. I didn’t agree with it’s premise OR it’s conclusions. It was irritating NOT entertaining.
Four thumbs down. If you can’t film something uplifting, don’t bother. The real world is depressing enough without having to watch depressing trash like this.
Posted by Hall442 on March 30th, 2009Thought the movie was pretty good. Seems that you either hate it or love it. If you think this is a depressing movie, wait till 2012 comes out.
Posted by Caleb on March 30th, 2009Greetings,
OK, here’s a movie that’s on my “Best of the Year” list, and I rarely have a big list!
How many movies do you see that just seems to be eye candy action adventure genre where you come out of the theater thinking that you did not get you money’s worth? Too many. How about those where the trailers are better than the movie? Then there’s docu-dramas per 911, President Bush, or really cheap movies where it seems like that they spent more on the DVD case than the movie!
Tons of overrated crap is released for our viewing pleasure. So when something comes along that even half-way does it for us, then it’s definitely worth mentioning. “Knowing” goes a lot farther than half-way, but not all the way.
What was missing?
It wasn’t the director Alex Proyas. He is certainly well known for his previous efforts and knows how to put a story on the big screen. The pace was mostly tight, the action in your face, the lighting suspenseful, and he got the best from his ensemble cast.
It wasn’t Marco Beltrami’s music. Here’s another great talent that knows how to raise the hair on the back of our necks with an orchestra instead of a chain saw!
It wasn’t Nicolas Cage. Really! I’ll tell you why next.
It WAS the screenplay! There were way too many lapses in dialog per Nicolas sitting around drinking, not answering his son’s questions except for the “father knows best” lines, not talking to his sister, the list goes on. All of these moments could have added some really great drama and tension which would have had us squirming in our seats even more than we were! Father and son dialog could have added much more per what worked and did not work between them. But instead it came off like the father did not trust his son to talk about anything serious. Chandler Canterbury (who totally stole the show) had more adult lines than Nicholas! So give Nicolas credit per working with what he had.
Then there was suspension of belief which worked on the big special effects, but blew it on the details. Sit in a chair, drink a half bottle of Bourbon, stare off into the distance, then figure out a number code? Heck I would have passed out long before looking at a page of numbers!
So a very good movie could have been a great one if more time had been spent working out the character relationships.
Finally I did note a lot of similarity to my emotional response per seeing a M Knight Shyamalan movie, especially referring to the movie “Signs”. This was another father who didn’t talk much trying to cope with extordinary events. That one could have used some more dialog as well!
But for all the opinions out here, the bottom line will always be was it entertaining? The answer is a definite yes! It’s definately worth a look, and maybe a DVD sale. You can always zoom past the no dialog parts to get to the disasters!
Regards,
Posted by HooplaTec on March 31st, 2009George
I think movies should have a new ratings called ‘E’.
Posted by WhatTheF! on April 2nd, 2009E for Evangelical. This movie should be part of the ‘Left Behind’ series!!!
Be prepared for a ripoff ending. 100 % bible messages. Its all about rapture and the Four horsemen of the apocalypose(the four aliens in the movie) blah balh coming to save the world.
Perfect timing for easter. Especialy the end scene with two kids(boy and girl ..chosen ones) running towards the Tree of Good and evil holding little bunnies in their arms..starting new life..etc..get the idea folks??
I really thought a Serpent would slither down the tree at some point. I actually laughed at the end of the movie.
If you beleive in stories written by smoking potheads 1000s of years ago and follow it like sheep with a 2 digit IQ then this is a movie for you.
Perfect Trojan movie with all biblical messages masked as a sc-fi thriller meant to pull you in with decepetive trailers and in the end go WTF!!!
From a pure techincal point of view..good special effects and CGI. Other than that..wait for the DVD.
First of all the movie was very much a contemporary way to illustrate that non believers should keep an open mind. If you paid any attention at all to the film, you would have seen that as the aliens flew back to their “spaceship”, they had wings.There were MANY scenes that held symbolism. The filmmakers clearly are trying to use the sci fi method of filmmaking to open peoples eyes. it was a fantastic film, CGI was phenomenal, and Nic Cage was actually OK in my opinion. If this had been a purely religious movie where they actually discussed and even showed Bilblical imagery then the film probably would have gone to DVD, not had Nic Cage in it, and/or wouldnot have been well received at all. The truth it, you dont have to be a believer to enjoy the film. It should open your eyes to the fact that everything we have in life is impermanent and just like in the final scenes when the flames engulf everything, we can all be gone within moments. Expand your mind and imagination and think of the possibilities. The film was great in doing that and all fo you who have nothing but negative reviews should really re evaluate the message of the film. To all of those of you who have crtiqued it before even seeing it, stop posting because your opinions are void when you have nothing to base them on, other than some meager past performances by a cast member.
Posted by Christine on April 3rd, 2009This is without question, one of the worst films of all time. There is not one positive thing to say about it. yes the effects of destruction are vivid.
What producer could possibly say, “I must make sure this film is made”
There are so many absurd moments. The acting is terrible, the numbers have nothing to do with the aliens, the mother is killed in a car crash.
Terrible
Posted by steve cane on April 4th, 2009This flick is really only worth seeing for 2 scenes.
Posted by Mick on April 4th, 20091) The plane crash scene
2) The train crash scene
Without these, Knowing would almost be a complete waste of time save for some suspense and interesting concept.
I thought all the actors were very good and the film was excelent in almost every way However, I think the ending seemed a little flaky the concept is ok but the delivery was a little unimpressive and unrealisic compared to the rest of the film.
In my “opinion” I would hope that on the next time around the methods of “starting over” would be a little less “history repeating itself” in the biblical sense of course.
Good film but un satisfying ending. See it but bring your own snacks and dont forget your TARDIS.
Posted by Floyd on April 6th, 2009At first I was like, “not another disaster/end of the world” movie. I mean, i’m a Christian and read the book of Revelation. Don’t over think it, because it will mess with your head. Let me explain it in a nut shell without being too preachy:
Born again people get beamed up. Everyone who has ever rejected God/Bible/Christianity is going to get jacked by some heavy catastrophic events. But, in this time, a world leader will take over and kill those who refuse his leadership. Angels will be around waiting for anyone to tell God, “I’m sorry for being an arrogant fool.” And it pretty much gets better from then on when God takes over Earth.
End Of The World films don’t really explore this because we humans have to disagree over everything. And, movies about God don’t seem marketable. Gee, I wonder why.
Don’t hate me because i’m beautiful! ;P
Posted by Jake on April 6th, 2009By the way, my fav Nick Cage film will always be “Raising Arizona” Eat that you warthogs from hell.
Since then, Cage has cranked out several movie duds. An actor is only as good as the director. I think Nick Cages foray into bad movie acting came about for me after watching him in “Face/Off”. Was John Woo movies ever that cool??? Broken Arrow? Hmmm. We’re we that naive?
I did get a decent jolt when you got to near end of Next, only to discovery he was seeing the future, while in the future seeing his future actions before he did them. Okay, take a minute to regroup. I’m getting a migraine.
Wait, Family Man with Nick was okay? Right? Any takers? Don’t hate.
Posted by Jake on April 6th, 2009All I Can say…keep it up Nick…I really love all your movies…
Posted by yohj on April 6th, 2009Wow what a shocker! If i wanted to have scientology shoved down my throat i would have paid a few thousand to get to the next level. Tedius, Cage was crap (again) and why does it always have to end with aliens?
Posted by Mark on April 8th, 20093/10
This is the worse film i have paid to see
the idea of the secret people that whisper to the children and all i could do is hope that they did not change in to angels but hey angel it was and aliens
why the film had to go in this direction is the real question and how did the get n/cage to agree to it
the religious theme is what kills this film and a simply idea turned into a crazy one
avoid this film at all cost, it will soon be on the under £5 dvd pile so cheaper to get that and the extras will be better than the film
Posted by jon on April 10th, 2009Easily, this is the most pointless, Dada-ist, existential downer since The Happening. Don’t see this movie if you have children and you love them. What was the message? Your guess is as good as mine… Was it “We are all programmed by aliens, resistance is futile,” or “There is a God, but he is mad as hell and is about to show you just how much,” or “There are no accidents: fear everything and feel totally helpless?”
This was just a shaggy dog story with creepy music and Cage has all the emotional range you could ask for, from A to B. Nice try.
Posted by Long View on April 13th, 2009Took my kids to see it yesterday. Any movie that ends with two bunny rabbits and two kids on a spaceship is just too much for me. I did feel the plane crash scene was worth the price of admission though. Also, the entire premise of the time capsule, the rocks, the whispers, the trailer, the accidents, didn’t add up for me. The ending could have happened in 1959 the day the time capsule was put in place and the movie didn’t even have to be made.
Posted by Frank on April 14th, 2009Ha,
They are just preparing mentally us for the (recurring every so often in Earth history)disaster to come. Who will be saved? Well Ask yourself if the aliens were from Niburu or if they were angels?
Posted by pararealist on April 14th, 2009All one and the same thing to me. Bah.
I gotta say this movie was the biggest waste of 2hrs of my life… it started off intriguing and logical and the mid & end left me thinking WTF… So my understanding is all adults are to stupid or unpure to be saved from armageddon but the kids which havent hit puberty yet or would have no knowledge of male and female doings are the ones that will start a new society (oh + two rabbits)…. that movie was a load of bullsh*t.
Posted by J to the Z on April 14th, 2009I only liked Cage in “Lord of War”.
Posted by Tomas on April 18th, 2009I just saw the movie and I liked it. Good thriller with great special effects. And I couldn’t guess the ending which I also like. But I wanted to note something to everyone reading these comments. IT IS A MOVIE!!!!!!!! It came from a script of ideas made up by people. You know, like Batman, Sex in the City, and Finding Nemo. Quit reading religion into it and making an argument for it as some kind of religious or anti-religious statement. If you are a Christian, good for you. Believe whatever you want. If you are an atheist, good for you. Believe whatever you want. I’m really tired of religious people comparing these types of movies to their faith or the Bible or whatever. Geez, how many religions have ever existed on the planet, and how many people SWEAR their religion is right and everyone else is delusional?? No one knows what the truth is. NO ONE!!! Faith is believe in something that can’t be absolutely proven. Ya know, LIKE EVERY RELIGION! If you are going to comment on the movie, start with an admission that you know it is a made-up story, and leave your belief system in a drawer. P.S. I believe in God, but I will never demand it is truth. I’m just too small and limited to know for sure. This is called humility.
Posted by Marco on April 18th, 2009Marco, movies are used for propaganda purposes as well. As long as most of us are actually able to think for our selves and create opinions, people will always read into things. Especially if it affects their inner being.
Posted by Tomas on April 19th, 2009OK first of all awesome movieeeeeeeee. i recommend it very much. the whole idea of the movie is to make you think and to try and get the fact that god has planned everything and it makes you think whats after this life is there another life for some people and some people go to heaven? what happens after dooms day? alot of questions raised int his movie that makes one wonder what will happen.
Posted by Ramy on April 19th, 2009asid form all that AMAZINGGGGGGGGG directorrr the plane crash seen OMG never seen something soooo gooooood i was watching this movie with a friend of mine who is a director (not known) and she said it was probably the best art direction she has seen in yearssssssss its like Lord of the rings way ahead of its time.
I want my money back Alex.
Posted by Possum on April 20th, 2009I enjoyed the movie, whether or not the director wanted to make it purely religious didn’t matter to me. It made me question the general perception of “god”.
To me they were merely aliens, and our whole notion of god and the bible is what had been told through stories about this very occurrence in the past from the initial inhabitants.
Posted by Michael on April 21st, 2009i like the movie but from Christian point of view there few things that are distorted and a little bit disturbing. about those two chosen the boy and the girl.the new heaven and new earth, the tree of life.If only the writer maybe put the real those people who died and saved must be the one living in the new heaven and earth.some of those events in reality might happen, prophecy, war, famine etc, it’s biblical,just those two children disturbed me a lot. and those modern Noah’s ark who get those kids hmmmp does not impress me.it’s kinda weird and makes the movie merely a fantasy…just a mere creation. the very essence or purpose of the movie was gone…but its nice when you think its does not convey a message.
Posted by Godsent30 on April 25th, 2009this movie left me speechless. this was a mix of horror, sci-fi, religious, action, and suspense. i got the chills when i saw the scene when the boy “kalem” saw what hell was outside his window. this movie will make you think about 2012 and the end. the whole alien thing was a little sketchy but i believe that if it does happen, adam and eve would make a new world. the scenes were intense, because of the plot and because of its loudness. the subway scene was crazy. there were so many people being brutally crumpled by a heavy subway train. it was graphic, and intense. the last scene, when the solar wave destroys earth was extremely intense. it gave me the chills, knowing that it felt so real. overall, i give this movie a 5 out of 5, A+. it gets into you, and makes you shake. its a must see.
Posted by Tim on April 25th, 2009I was reminded of “Contact” when they release a good( and I stress, a GOOD)movie at the beginning of the year.As with “Contact” we have a fair amount of miscasting with great casting, but the end result is still a solid movie.
I think that great movies play like a great song; the right notes at the right time, a great melody, and it knows when to end. “Knowing”, unfortunately, ends a bit sloppy as if they needed to tie up the loose ends. This really has nothing to do with film making but screenwriting. All great movies have a solid screenplay of which a movie can be plucked, much like an artichoke can be a great appetizer once the leaves have been marinated or stuffed the right way. I can’t think of any reason to eat one unless it’s correctly prepared, yet the end result is still an artichoke.
Great movies play in your mind for days, weeks, even years. They can be seen, like a great story can be told, over and over, with a scene or a character interchanging over time becoming your personal favorite, and then, changing again. When your young Summer is the favorite season because of vacation or camp. As you age, Spring or Fall can be the time you look forward; Winter to me has become an acquired taste because my children love to go sledding. Movies can be like the seasons, as with you would prefer watching certain ones because of the changes in your life.”Paris,Texas” was a very defining moment in my life when I had lost someone close. Over the years I cheer more for Travis than when Hunter looks for his mother, if you can follow my train of thought.
Great movies play on your mind. Explain “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” to someone who has never seen it and it sounds like comedy, which on multiple viewings you realize it is not a funny movie at all.”The Godfather”( I & II), to me, is a movie about how an immigrant family can survive in turn-of-the-century America more than just a gangster movie. The knowledge that it has can sustain over the generations because of the lessons it will tell you of loyalty and staying in business. When I feel stuck in a particular job, I have told myself, ” Michael, this is the business you have chosen” emulating the famous line by Hymen Roth.”Knowing” would need to elevate itself to Great status over time, for at this moment( I went to see it last night)I would say that it was a good movie with great moments in it. Any bad reviews of this movie should be ignored if you haven’t seen it yet. I do recommend “Knowing” and I give it 3 stars.
Posted by Michael on April 27th, 2009I’m no bible expert, but I have to correct some of the posters that I saw here. It’s not the rapture, it’s the second end of the world. The rapture is the one where all the shit hits the fan and it’s over. The second end of the world just means that we’re in for another cleaning, and then we can start things up again. Now, that’d be awesome if we could have a movie about the rapture and revelations…. perhaps not with Cage, though.
Posted by blasianFMA on April 27th, 2009omg this has to be the WORST movie i have ever paid to see, i have never really been to these kind of websites before but i was so shocked at the crap i have just watched that i had too check out some reviews, i’m shocked at those that say the film was AWESOME!!! one can only guess these are the same guys who dress up on a friday night with big ears, tight lycra tops and pretend they are from the planet klingon. i was really griped and was looking forward to getting the all the answers revealed in a sixth sense, kiss the girls, along came a spider and seven kind of way but NO! gotthe bobby ewing shower dream dallas kind of approach lets just bung in a spaceship and fancy lights and we as viewers should just accept it. WTF these guys are obviously the same script writer from the LOST series by coming up with gr8 ideas (and yes i was realy griped from the beggining) and giving such a crap ending.
Posted by jeff on May 1st, 2009I actually turned to my girlfriend (who hates sci fi BTW) just before the realisation at the end, and whispered “oh no please dont be a spaceship” and true to form there it appeared from the sky. i am disgusted and even walked out at that point having to apolgise to my girl whom i knew would be like wtf luckiy she was amused because she knew if i knew the ending was like that and i took her to see it i wouldnt be in the good books, so luckily laffed about wot a howler we just made.
Mr Cage if your out there and get off onreading your own reviews personally i think you a great actor so please dont have name associated with this kind of nonsicle, its about as conclusive as national treasure.
having said that was some amazing fx cant disagree with that but come on astory should have a beginning a middle and an end
peace
ps if you havent seen the film and ive ruined the end for you then ive done you a big favour
Posted by jeff on May 1st, 2009I don’t usually write on these, but I feel I have to stand up for this film which is being treated like dirt.
Posted by Alastair on May 7th, 2009Basically, it’s up there with the best sci-fi movies ever made. And yes, I include “Contact” in that list. Ignore the reviews, if you like to leave a movie complex with more questions than can be answered, check this out. It is, in my opinion, brilliant.
The Biblical tie-ins were a bit of a stretch and downright hokey at times, but the destruction, especially the final scenes…oh man. I’d always revered Independence Day for having the most delicious inferno-engulfing-city scene but this one blows ID4 away, pardon the pun. It was kinda like the explosive sunrise featured in The Chronicles of Riddick, only this time the sun was giving New York City a beatdown. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film that showed the consumate destruction of the world before, and certainly none as vivid as this.
Posted by Mark on May 7th, 2009What I don’t get about this movie is this. Did ALL of the children who were taken away at the end go through the same crap Nick Cage and his kid did? I mean, were numbers left behind for other people who figured them out the same way Nick Cage did in order to find their coordinates to blast off to another planet? that made no sense to me whatsoever.
Posted by pico on May 8th, 2009Movie is a one time watch with a good start and few spectacular moments and a lousy ending. It’s a kind of see and forget movie which will be liked by people who like graphics. A good movie needs to show hope for betterment and this one does not and biased to a so called chosen ones group.
Posted by ratan on May 9th, 2009Read Brandon’s commnents. The central motivation for Cage is to figure out how to stop future disasters (which he spends most of the film doing), but we find that’s not possible. The solar flare is predictable but not avoidable. There’s absolutely no reason for Lucinda to have ever existed. The numbers don’t matter. The aliens will whisper, a few will hear them and will be taken to new Eden. Again, the first 3/4 of the film don’t matter. There’s just an incredibly frustrating, pointless MacGuffin. Sure all MacGuffins can decline in focus as a film develops, but in this case, it’s entirely undercut. There’s no reason for Lucinda to have ever heard anything because no the future doesn’t matter.
Posted by wtf? on May 21st, 2009Watch for the sequel: Unknowing. This film opens ten years later, when we zoom in on the Tree Of Life and find skeletons of two dead children, surrounded by a million rabbits who have eaten all the foliage and are close to extinction. Somebody has etched thousands of numbers into the bark of the tree of life.
Two of the aliens/angels alight on the planet, look with despair on the site. As they whisper to each other, we see subtitles:
“What were we thinking? We left young children on this planet with no food and no means of capturing or cooking anything? No wonder they’re all dead.”
“What about the numbers scratched on the tree? What do they say?”
The next hour of the movie shows the aliens attempting to make sense of the numbers. Finally, one of them works it out:
“It’s an alphanumeric code: if we swap letters for the numbers, here’s what we get …”
“WTF … no food, no McDs, no TV, no restrooms, no internet. Get me out of …”
The aliens rise slowly into the sky, shaking their heads. We see over the shoulder of one of them, as they rise past the tree, to see a concrete arm holding the iconic torch of the Statue of Liberty, poking from the field — and that’s where the movie ends.
Posted by Unknowing on May 21st, 2009the movie wasn’t all bad.
imho N. Cage is a good actor, he has had a few setbacks (the ones mentioned in the review f.e.) but which actor hasn’t?
people disliking the movie concerning the plot are most likely the ones that believe in a ‘higher’ being (god, angels…) and quite frankly, i don’t believe in such, dare i say it, crap, but i do believe that we’re part of something bigger… i’m not a scientology-fan either so that’s not the problem…
in fact i wouldn’t know how else to visualise the theme this movie covers… i really have no idea, one might think it’s aliens, others might think it’s angels, either way, that’s something for the viewer to decide (which is why, i guess, the creatures look like they could be either which one…)
overall, good movie, visually stunning at times, and the reference made to M. Knight Shyamalan was rightful
Posted by h4wk on June 22nd, 2009I don’t think the movie was meant to appeal to a specific audience (be it christians or scientologists) but it kinda swings both ways so all kinds of ‘believers’ might like it…
I thought this movie was FANTASTIC!! I LOVED IT! I thought every aspect of it was just so realistic- i love theoretical movies that challenge your beliefs- it really makes you double take on the things that are normally simple but more complex. I thought That the movie was really creepy, but not scary enough that i had to look away (and i’m a baby when it comes to scary things) and it was just great acting and kept me on the edge of my seat. i didnt like the end though. everything was so realistic- and then like- FTW Aliens abductthe kids and he dies? what? and the planet thy go to-so fake it just ruined. everything but the last 20 minutes was 6 stars out of 5 though.
Posted by Scott-ayy on June 22nd, 2009some of you so called christians are way, way too arrogant. all this “oh i’m going to heaven when god wants to take me and you all aren’t” attitude is fucking retarded. who would want to hang with people like you in this so called promised land? not i.
oh and the bible. lol. just a big story, passed along generation after generation WRITTEN BY MEN. not god. propaganda that gets alot of people killed.
Posted by notriteous on June 23rd, 2009oh and Scott-ayy hit the nail on the head. Good flick up until they ran out of material and threw in spaceships, aliens, and some outlandish bullshit. clap clap for hollywood.
Posted by notriteous on June 23rd, 2009There are some seriously messed up people in the world. I love how as soon as the religious nuts kick in, everything has to mean something. It’s just a movie. If the writers want to pull every religion on earth apart and mix them together to form an underlying story line, they are quite welcome to do that. Its fiction. Anyone who looks for religious truth in creative works such as “Knowing” isnt a very clever person and should probably keep their comments to themselves. Its entertainment, you morons.
Note to all Christians: Atheists aren’t out to destroy religion, we just dont give a crap what you believe in. As long as you dont push your beliefs or lifestyle choices on to us, you could worship a camel and a can of coke for all we care. Whatever your perceived cost of being an Atheist is, we’ll gladly pay it, if you’ll just leave us alone to live our lifes the way we choose to.
As far as the movie is concerned, it wasn’t so bad until the quick, unexplained succession of the world catching on fire, the alien existance, the destruction of mankind then the adam and eve factor. It was like someone thought these things up at the last minute to pad out the script, yet they were major story elements all squeezed into the last third of the movie! Poor stuff here.
Cages overacting did add some comic relief in parts, especially the weird and awkward exchanges between Cage and Byrne during their first sit down meeting.
I’ll go ahead and mention the 1st class special effects; the plane and train scenes were something to behold in their ferocity.
My major contention with this film – Lucinda, the numbers, even Nic cage – are all rendered completely pointless by an unstoppable solar flare which destroys everything and everyone. There is nothing Cage nor anyone else in the movie can do to change the outcome even with the prophecy at hand. It’s all pointless. What a shambles.
Posted by Ryan on June 23rd, 2009Whats what in the movie:
4 “angels” in the movie is not the 4 horsemen.The 4 horsemen are bad news…not angels.
Rev. 7:1
“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.”
They were told to let go of the “wind” when its time.
In this case…the Flare.
The tree is the Tree of Life. Not the other trees.
Thats the one promised AFTER you are raptured.
The drawing Abe was coloring has the wheel in which Daniel saw in his vision together with the creature with 4 faces. If you look carefully at the inside of that spaceship….you see the exact same wheel.
Those 2 kids have the rabbits….the rest of the other animals are in the other ships.
Not exactly the bible…but it will do to sow some seed.
BTW. Christianity is not a religion. It is actually Anti-religion.
Religion = Mans own effort to get right with God.
Christianity = God will save you cause there is absolutely nothing you can do to save yourself.
Just repent and believe He can.
Its a good film. I enjoyed it.
Posted by Neo on June 24th, 2009Well I did like, I didn’t like. That is basically my thought process throughout the entire film. I liked that scene, but now, what the hell am I watching, etc etc. Ofcourse religious people would think this is religious. Do I mind pointing out to that ALIENS came to earth and harvested selected young, and then proceeded to let the rest of us die. Sound pretty biblical to me. *rolls eyes* I believe the director was trying too hard to “cater” to both sides, and thus came up with an ending that saunters along the path between both camps. “Adam and eve is true…yada yada yada, but only because our Alien brethren, who look like biblical aliens, came in their ‘fortress of solitude’ looking ships to take one boy and one girl to a new planet with a big ass tree”. And Preacherdude or whatever your name is with the creator comment – you are actually convinced that was religious? You’re ok with the fact that our “creator” is a resourceful group of extraterrestrials? Wake up buddy. That is the furthest thing from the bible.
Posted by apelikeJesus on July 7th, 2009this was a fucken one of the best movie i have seen the ending is also the worst ending ive ever seen. also cage is an amazing actor so fuck you.
Posted by Snake on July 8th, 2009i think the movie was good up untill the ending which suked serious ass…
Posted by Critic on July 8th, 2009Have you all watched the same movie i did????
Posted by Christopher Dumas on July 11th, 2009This has got to be one of the worst films ever made. I rarely add my opinions to websites but couldnt resist this opportunity.
I actually laughed throughout most of the flick which ruined it for my wife. I couldnt help it. Nick Cage must have needed the money. I think he was confused {or just didnt care} as evidenced by the constant detached look on his face. The acting was horrible. Script, atrocious. Both characters were terrible parents. Constantly leaving their kids to fend for themselves. Scenes ended abruptly as if the director yelled “cut” and moved on to the next segment.
Forget the religious overtones or anything else you may read into this catastrophe. Bad is bad no matter how hard you try to justify losing two hours of your life.
Dont kid yourselves kids. Its ok to say this dvd sucks!
Ok. Stop with the religious bickering. It was a movie, a stupid one, but a movie none the less. I am someone who keeps an open mind about movies, and I don’t judge it until it is over. There have been many movies that I thought would be stupid and they turned out to be great, and vice versa. This one however was a total WTF movie. When it comes to pure jump factor, it is a 9 out of 10. When it comes to a logical conclusion, it’s down there at 2 out of 10. The visual aspects were amazing. The plane crash, the subway, and even the solar flare at the end. But taking children to another planet to start a new race was just plain stupid. And did they take off more than just those two? We only saw the two kids running towards the tree. The movie lost me when they showed the kids petting the bunnies. And what is this I hear about angel wings? What angel wings. All the aliens did was go transparent. And Nicolas Cage has had some downfalls in movies, but I thought he was great in this one.
This movie reminds me of Final Destination 2. In the end *SPOILER ALERT* the only two people to survive were the cop and the main girl that was seeing the premonitions. He turns to her and tells her that she saved them and that they made it. Well, there’s about 5 other people that didn’t make it. What the hell are you guys so happy about. *END SPOILER ALERT*. That’s how this movie felt, great graphics, horrible ending.
In conclusion I will say this. Lighten up with the whole religious thing. It was just a movie.
Posted by Iris on July 12th, 2009i was hooked in the beggining but throughtout the movie i had many questions that went unanswered. the ending was somewhat depressing becuase diane and john die and the kids only chance of having humanity to survive is to imbread. and its funny in a way becuase the scene with the door in the school he dishinges it so quick and knows where to scratch. haha i give it 3/5 honestly watching the ending made me feel like i just watched a beheading on rotten or bestgore.com
Posted by Mike on July 12th, 2009I’m in Christopher Dumas’s boat (From two posts back). Horrible movie so riddled with cliches and predictability that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the hilarity of it. The science was horrifyingly disgusting and the acting was terrible and predictable, save for Nicholas Cage, who can give a good believable cry if he needs to.
The ending, I think, bordered parody. I guess Jesus was a space alien all along? All in all, see it with a friend and riff on it, it’s good fun, but don’t watch it for the seriousness. Or if you’re a man of science, then you’ll just cry yourself to sleep at the murder or astrophysics.
Posted by Arc on July 13th, 2009Love this film,a mixture of sixth sense, close enounters and armageddon. Really well thought out, spooky and left me feeling quite unnerved. The only unbeleivable thing was Nicholas cage drinking pints of whisky every day and then suddenly stopping cold turkey with no after affects!
Posted by polly on July 17th, 2009Well. I’ll respond to the review. I did not see Nicholas Cage, I saw the character he portrayed. I don’t watch most movies, since they are almost all tripe now. This one was a pretty good ‘what if this is how it is out there’ movies, with not to much obsession on the biblical references. Unlike ‘DaVinci’, which was like watching a bad cartoon cast with real people. I found Knowing to be entirely plausible, except for the ‘prophecy’ aspects. The future does not exist yet, and though a super-flare could be predicted with a high probability, single events cannot be. I liked this movie much more than Contact, which was filled with so many cliche’s and neo-political JuJubes that it was ruined for me. The technical plausibility of the story line was also digestible, which is rare.
Posted by rock.harbor on July 18th, 2009This is a giant piece of shit disappointment, one of the worst movies I have ever seen. It is a good idea with a very poor presentation. So many things could have been different, like the fact that the story is so redundant it is rediculous, and you are left with an ending that makes the rest of the film no more than a filler to make it an hour and a half long. Dont buy or rent this, do like I did, borrow from a friend or neighbor then smack em in the face for wasting their money buying or renting it.
Posted by FRA1Z3R on July 24th, 2009“.. typical Hollyweird..entertaining…I can see how people believe the whole UFO/alien stuff…pretty deceiving….take scriptural truth out of context….add your choice of weirdness… and voila! whatever…ok, I only wasted a redbox buck…
Posted by marilyn on August 1st, 2009probably one of the worst film I’ve seen in a while and to compare it to M. Night Shyamalan movie, are you mental?! good core idea though.
Posted by adam wyatt on August 17th, 2009I watced this film last night.
I loved every second of it, an amazing film…. some woman predicting the end of the earth and all these death events. It’s epic… and it has you on edge and constantly attached….
but then..
the ending… what a way to ruin a film… after all the suspense, afting all the cripping action…
aliens….yes…aliens come down and save the children.
A true f*ck up. An amazing film… spoiled by aliens. It’s almost like they couldnt be bothered to end the film so they were like “screw it… just send down aliens to end it”
Posted by Ian on September 1st, 2009I mean common… aliens? really? no twisted end.. no result?
Determinism is dead, its assassin was quantum mechanics. Please don’t think that events are really cause and effect.
Photons hit your retina, and you see the world around you. Your brain is sensitive to quantum physics.
Posted by Jose Fabian on September 5th, 2009I haven’t seen “Knowing,” yet. (I figure in five years, I will have forgotten what I read and the ending will be a surprise.)
(I’m writing a screenplay right now where humanity struggles with environmental problems. We eventually clean up Mother Nature by discovering a non-polluting energy source, repairing the ozone layer, and restoring the rain-forests. And at the end of the movie, aliens arrive and blow-up the Earth.)
I wanted to address what Jose Fabian wrote even though I have no idea how it relates to the movie. Quantum mechanics only applies on the small scale. Determinism still applies on the human scale. As far as I know, we’re still looking for a unified theory. IMO, I have a hunch that we’re misinterpreting the results from all the strange quantum physics experiments. Sorry if this derails the discussion of “Knowing” off into a quantum physics debate.
Posted by Reed Farrington on September 5th, 2009Just like most film discussion boils down to you like what you like and you don’t care to defend it, this discussion boils down to you experience your own experience, and you don’t know shit about how anybody else experience anything.
Whenever anybody speaks about things like “writing” or “green”, they should acknowledge that their own experience of either concept could be vastly different from everybody elses, yet still represent the same things in their mind.
Posted by Henrik on September 5th, 2009http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9DOmlfICGw
Posted by Henrik on September 5th, 2009The knowing sucks it is a good film but then the writer smoked crack and wrote the last half hour. It makes no sense what so ever the creepy pale guys are apparently aliens?? and picked caleb and the little girl to repolpulate earth and get picked up in a space ship!!!!! I enjoyed the movie until then but the end just makes watching it a waste of time because it’s lamest reason ever for al the disasters. It really seems that the writer wantend to get off easy and didn’t really feel like thinking any more.
Posted by Eric on November 3rd, 2009Leave a Reply