Well paced and engaging movie, but not for everyone...

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2009)

I really enjoyed this movie, even though the ending will be perceived as something akin to religious overtones. How you will perceive this movie will depend upon a number of things, least of which will be your own mindset.
The movie itself is well-structured, evenly-paced, particularly when the pace is picked up towards the film's final denouement. The effects are incredible and realistic, although containing much of fantasy elements at the end.
I'm not going to discuss the film in respect of giving away the plot, but as depressing as the elements of the film are in how they are conveyed, it does end on a upbeat note by piquing one's sense of religiosity (ie, one's sense of feeling spiritual).
Whatever your mindset or ideology, creed or philosophy, the film is thought-provoking and engaging, and can be enjoyed if you allow for what Coleridge coined in his notes on poetry..."the suspension of one's disbelief"...and undertake the analysis sometime later. It is good to see Nicholas Cage back to participating in a film that is going to be a surprise hit.
Go see it...it's a good one!