Knowing (2009)
6.1 /10
4278 Reviews
Rate This Movie:
A teacher opens a time capsule that has been dug up at his son's elementary school; in it are some chilling predictions -- some that have already occurred and others that are about to -- that lead him to believe his family plays a role in the events that are about to unfold.
Videos & Photos
cast
... John Koestler
... Diana Wayland
... Caleb Koestler
... Phil Bergman
... Grace Koestler
User reviews
Pythagorus As Nostradamus.
Knowing is directed by Alex Proyas and collectively written by Ryne Douglas Pearson, Juliet Snowden and Stiles White. It stars Nicolas Cage, Rose Byrne, Chandler Canterbury, Lara Robinson, Ben Mendelsohn and Nadia Townsend. Music is by Marco Beltrami and cinematography by Simon Duggan.
1959, and young schoolgirl Lucinda Embry (Robinson) keeps hearing voices. When asked to submit a drawing for the school time capsule that's to be opened in 50 years time, she writes a series of random numbers that don't appear to make sense. Forward to 50 years and the grand opening of the capsule, where Professor Jonathan Koestler (Cage) and his young son come by way of Lucinda's numbers. Just what do they mean? If anything?...
Ah yes, the good old disaster movie, a genre of film that continues unabated through the decades, this in spite of critical indifference. But the paying public still keep turning up in droves, even in this new technological age. Where once was models being destroyed, and paintings forming elegant backdrops, now is whizz bangery that costs a fortune. Still great fun, though, which is why something like Knowing exists and has many fans.
It's a splendid piece of sci-fi hokum pulsing with supernatural overtones, a gentle creeper unravelling the mystery in layers until the final countdown begins. The science is obviously dubious (it's a movie folks) and the air of pessimism that hovers consistently over proceedings (not only is the world in trouble, but all the protags have miserable issues as well), may be too much for some. However, Cage is as committed as ever, Proyas yet again proves himself a beautiful visualist, while the scenes of carnage are truly harrowing and unforgettable.
A popcorner with moments of wonder and awe, and yes of course, some cheese as well. Ignore the Cage haters, if you like sci-fi infused disaster movies and haven't had fun with this one yet, then do so, it's a blast. And did I say it's gorgeous to look at as well? It is!
7/10
Director:
Writer:
Ryne Douglas Pearson (Screenplay)
Ryne Douglas Pearson (Story)
Juliet Snowden (Screenplay)
Stiles White (Screenplay)
Genres:
Release Date:
2009-03-19
Run Time:
121 min
MMPA Rating:
PG-13
Reviews of
Knowing
Pythagorus As Nostradamus.
Knowing is directed by Alex Proyas and collectively written by Ryne Douglas Pearson, Juliet Snowden and Stiles White. It stars Nicolas Cage, Rose Byrne, Chandler Canterbury, Lara Robinson, Ben Mendelsohn and Nadia Townsend. Music is by Marco Beltrami and cinematography by Simon Duggan.
1959, and young schoolgirl Lucinda Embry (Robinson) keeps hearing voices. When asked to submit a drawing for the school time capsule that's to be opened in 50 years time, she writes a series of random numbers that don't appear to make sense. Forward to 50 years and the grand opening of the capsule, where Professor Jonathan Koestler (Cage) and his young son come by way of Lucinda's numbers. Just what do they mean? If anything?...
Ah yes, the good old disaster movie, a genre of film that continues unabated through the decades, this in spite of critical indifference. But the paying public still keep turning up in droves, even in this new technological age. Where once was models being destroyed, and paintings forming elegant backdrops, now is whizz bangery that costs a fortune. Still great fun, though, which is why something like Knowing exists and has many fans.
It's a splendid piece of sci-fi hokum pulsing with supernatural overtones, a gentle creeper unravelling the mystery in layers until the final countdown begins. The science is obviously dubious (it's a movie folks) and the air of pessimism that hovers consistently over proceedings (not only is the world in trouble, but all the protags have miserable issues as well), may be too much for some. However, Cage is as committed as ever, Proyas yet again proves himself a beautiful visualist, while the scenes of carnage are truly harrowing and unforgettable.
A popcorner with moments of wonder and awe, and yes of course, some cheese as well. Ignore the Cage haters, if you like sci-fi infused disaster movies and haven't had fun with this one yet, then do so, it's a blast. And did I say it's gorgeous to look at as well? It is!
7/10
***What if everything’s not just meaningless chance?***
A disillusioned professor in the Boston area (Nicolas Cage) acquires a document that has successfully predicted tragedies for the last fifty years, but new ones as well (!). Rose Byrne plays the daughter of the seer.
“Knowing” (2009) is a quality drama/mystery with elements of disaster/sci-fi and even a little horror. It’s along the lines of wonder-inducing flicks like “The Mothman Prophecies” (2002), “Contact” (1997), “The Forgotten” (2004), “The X-Files: Fight the Future” (1998), “Signs” (2002), “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (2008) and “War of the Worlds” (2005). If you favor the style and themes of those movies you’ll probably like this one.
The film runs 2 hours, 1 minute and was shot in Victoria, Australia, with establishing shots of the Boston/Cambridge area.
GRADE: B
A very intriguing set-up, but not much else of note is found in _Knowing_.
_Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
Cast & Crew of
Knowing
Cast
... John Koestler
... Diana Wayland
... Caleb Koestler
... Phil Bergman
... Grace Koestler
... Cashier
... Lucinda Embry / Abby Wayland
... Allison
... Miss Taylor (1959)
... Miss Taylor (2009)
... Principal Clark (1959)
... The Stranger
... Rev. Koestler
... Younger Caleb
... Lucinda's Mother
... Lucinda's Father
... Spencer
... Man in Duffle Coat
... Flight Attendant
... Donald
... Stacey
... Teacher
... Reporter
Crew
... Producer
... Additional Music
... Costume Design
... Original Music Composer
... First Assistant Director
... Supervising Art Director
... Director of Photography
... Casting
... Makeup Artist
... Executive Producer
... Co-Executive Producer
... Co-Executive Producer
... Director
... Producer
... Producer
... Producer
... Screenplay
... Story
... Co-Producer
... Second Unit Director of Photography
... ADR Voice Casting
... Second Unit Director
... Production Design
... Special Effects Supervisor
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Screenplay
... Screenplay
... Second Second Assistant Director
... Stunt Double
... Executive Producer
... Editor
... Hair Designer
... Makeup Designer
... Executive Producer
... Executive Producer
... Set Decoration
... First Assistant "B" Camera
... Costume Supervisor
... Post Production Accountant
... Music Editor
... "A" Camera Operator
... Makeup Artist
... Hairstylist
... Makeup & Hair
... Gaffer
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Foley Mixer
... Unit Production Manager
... Stunt Coordinator
... Construction Coordinator
... Scenic Artist
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Script Supervisor
... Art Department Coordinator
... Storyboard Artist
... Second Assistant "A" Camera
... First Assistant "A" Camera
... Sound Recordist
... First Assistant Editor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... "B" Camera Operator
... Supervising Music Editor
... Key Grip
... Production Coordinator
... Dialogue Coach
... Stunts
... Post Production Supervisor
... Second Assistant Director
... Foley Artist
... Rigging Gaffer
... Boom Operator
... Art Direction
... Set Designer