Real good entertainment

Rating: 7/10 (13 April 2009)

"Knowing" is what you wouldn't expect from a Nicolas Cage-flick anymore: real good entertainment. Maybe it has to do with the fact that this movie was made by Alex Proyas, the man responsible for such dark and intriguing stories as "The Crow" and "Dark City". "Knowing" also has this certain darkness that elevates it from similarly themed apocalyptic movies.
The story plays more like a mystery thriller than your typical end-of-the-world-blockbuster... until the last moments, that is. Then the movie starts to fall apart a bit. The final solution reveals that the whole mystery about the prophetic list was more or less superfluous, which is a bit frustrating, but, hey, up until then it's a fun ride. Even the special effects don't ruin the movie. There is a really awkward moment where burning CGI-deer leave the woods. What could have been distracting and annoying doesn't really matter, because at that point the movie's got you hooked so much, the CGI won't bother you. And, of course, there are other moments where the special effects are eerily effective (the plane crash is one of the most terrifying things I have seen at the movies this year).
"Knowing" is definitely not without its flaws: the not too logical story, some unintentionally funny moments of typical Cage-ness and the over-the-top-ending all prevent it from being anything else than popcorn-fodder for the masses. However, there is such a thing as a good blockbuster and "Knowing" is just that. In short: I really enjoyed watching this movie.