FamilyFans Movies
☼☼☼
KNOWING (PG-13)
Plot Summary: A scientist discovers predictions for future catastrophes when a 50-year-old time capsule is opened.
Reason for the Rating: Disaster sequences, disturbing images and brief strong language.
It's always disappointing when you think a movie has potential, and then it's wasted on a really bad ending. Unfortunately, such is the case with Knowing.
Most of this film is done on a grand scale, as it's riddled with suspense, full of amazing special effects and thought-provoking ideas as it searches for the answer to a very philosophical idea: Do things happen in the universe for a reason? Or do they just happen indiscriminately?
Knowing begins in 1958, at an elementary school that's preparing to bury a time capsule. Each child draws a picture of what he or she thinks the future might look like. One girl, who clearly has some issues, instead writes a page full of numbers. Fast forward to 2009, when the same school holds a ceremony to unearth the capsule and dig out these 50-year-old pictures. John (Nicholas Cage), an MIT professor who's wife died in a hotel fire, and his son, Caleb (Chandler Canterbury), receive the odd prediction of seemingly random numbers. John sets the paper aside, until he discovers it contains dates that correspond to major catastrophes, as well as the number of people who died in the event. What could it all mean? And why did John and Caleb get this particular prediction?
I
was intrigued with Knowing and the questions it asks about the
universe--philosophical questions that are rooted in religion. Is there a reason
behind the things that happen to us, or not? Is there a God who orchestrates
events and cares about what happens to us...or are we here all alone?
Unfortunately, this question is too big for Hollywood to really look at
seriously, especially in a science fiction movie. Instead, it resorts to easy
answers. Now, I'm not above being able to enjoy a good sci-fi flick, and don't
think all movies need to point to God. But, when a movie raises questions about
the reality of God, couching it in philosophical terms, and only explores the
option that aliens are the answer, I find myself wishing that Hollywood would
find some courage.
Additionally, I found the movie left me feeling rather hopeless. In the end, all is meaningless. While the human race is saved, mankind is not. The earth is a loss and cannot be saved.
So, while the plot was, as someone in the movie said, "stupid," I did find some redeeming qualities. Well, at least some entertaining ones. The acting, especially by the children, was good. The suspense kept me wondering how the plot was going to resolve. And the special effects were simply amazing, especially in a train crash sequence. Actually, the special effects were probably the best part of the movie.
FAMILYFANS RECOMMENDS:
This isn't a movie I can say has an excellent plot, but it could spark some interesting conversation about God, the Bible, and the purpose of tragedy in our lives. It’s a good one for parents and teens to watch together—and talk about afterward.
AFTER THE SHOW:
Use these questions to spark discussion among family members who are interested in this movie:
• If you could put something in a time capsule, what would you choose as a good representation of your world in 2009? Explain.
• Would you want to know what is going to happen in the future? When you are going to die?
• Do you believe God is in control of the universe? How does this make you feel?
JW
☼☼☼
Note: All movie-related graphics in this column are standard publicity/promotional shots and are owned by their respective movie studios.