Saturday, April 11, 2009

Knowing


Just went to the cinema and watched this movie with my husband. I guess the suspense thriller and the computer special effect are those things which make people line up to see it, thus getting the movie to top the US box office at the moment.

Source: impawards.com


As for me, I was attracted by the idea of the movie, which is about how someone can predict forthcoming tragedies, because I like stories about "gifted" people, especially they who can look into the future.

So I was a bit surprised to find that the story led to Apocalypse. I thought it was going to be about series of tragedies and how John Koestler (played by Nicolas Cage) would finally be able to unlock the mystery behind the numbers and actually "save the day". Boy, how misled I was.

But I'm not going to tell the whole story here for fear of giving you the spoiler (you can always look for relevant websites for details, anyway).

As my valuation of the film, I'd give 3.5 stars out of five for the following reasons:

  • I'm impressed with how "Knowing" got you to think more of life: Are things in our life happening as a mere coincidence ("Randomness"), or are they meant to happen for a cause ("Determinism")? When the end of the world comes, are you ready?
  • The special effect for the plane crash and subway collision has been wonderfully made that they were almost like real (especially the subway collision). I think this is one crucial factor which definitely keeps movie goers come queue in and watch the film.
  • I don't know how thorough the research had been done to create the story, but I am quite content to see that the Armageddon in the movie was pictured mostly similar to what I have always believed: The sun gobbled the earth; the panic and commotion swept over almost everyone (although I think Armageddon should make people no longer care about their family because they'd be busy saving themselves, instead of making family reunion like what John did).
  • But the film was "tainted" with the unnecessary effort of picturing angels bringing away John's son and Diana (oh, you'll know her if you watch the movie)'s daughter and the "space ship" being used to transport those two. I say it's okay to have wild imagination, but sometimes you've got to know that some objects are just beyond imagination. I heard some audiences actually laugh at the scene. Really, I could not blame them because I was also turned off by it.
Now, what do you think? Come, share your opinion. I'd appreciate it if you do.

4 comments:

Yesse said...

From your writing here, i could see that it's just another typical hollywood movie. Plus it's played by Nicholas Cage...hehe..no offense to his fans, i don't really like his movies and his acting. So I thank you for saving my money, i don't really want to see it anymore.

Reza said...

and you did not call all that spoilers? good job metty... ;p

virna medina said...

that's so Hollywood right? by bringing "space ship" in it? have yet seen the movie, but probably will wait for the DVD because it has Nick Cage in it.

By the way, Nick Cage is a good actor, despite the movie being a typical Hollywood one. Please confirm that by watching Adaptation or Leaving Las Vegas (feel like his lawyer here).

He's like one of the most versatile actor. Well, him and John Cusack.

metty said...

@ Yesse:I think my writing will make some people eager to find out about the movie and some other to stay away from it. So it's good to know that at least I can help you make a decision ;;)

About Nicholas Cage, I'm not a fan of that guy, but I don't hate him that much either, Yes. In fact, I think his acting is good. But if you let me choose, I'll choose Harrison Ford over him.


@ Reza:Well, I didn't tell the whole story, did I? So you can't call it spoiler =P


@ Virna Medina:Hm, rather than Nick Cage, I'd call Denzel Washington a versatile actor, Mbak Vir...