Wanna 'Know' what I think of Nic Cage's new movie?
Nic Cage has gotten spiritual. He may have flirted with touchy-feely before (the blubworthy City Of Angels) but in his latest pic Knowing, he's cast aside his action man biceps and gone full-on metrosexual.
And it works. Just about.
As grieving single dad (and...ahem...astro physicist) John Kesslar, Cage acts the most he's done in years. Not always great, admittedly - but at least the fire seems to be back in his belly after sleepwalking through recent tat such as Bangkok Dangerous and Next (I just slept). When John's son discovers a secret numerical code that reveals the date on which the world will end, it's up to father and son to do what they can in a short amount of time.
Once upon a time - in the Con Air-ish 90s - that might have involved riding around on a huge motorbike and beating up the bad guys. But for the new peace loving Cage, it's all about quality time with the family and healing old wounds. Ah...bless.
That's not to say that Knowing isn't big and ballsy. The end of the world is nigh and there are disasters a go-go, allowing directed Alex Proyas (I Robot) to go full-on with the FX. A plane crash scene is especially gutsy, demanding you see this on the biggest screen and best sound system possible. As John's world spirals out of control, the pic isn't afraid of getting dark, dirty and just plain miserable. I like that. I mean, Armageddon would hardly be fun, would it?
Knowing does let itself down though. Potential endings come and go, with the flashier ultimately chosen in favour of the intimate. That's a mistake - dodgy endings stick in the mind a long time, even if the rest of the movie is pretty awesome.
But for the most part, this delivers. A hodge podge of familiar films it may be - Deep Impact, Signs, Indiana Jones, even old 50s sci-fi - but that motley mix is the best single thing Nic's done in ages. 4 stars.
Comment number 1.
At 27th Mar 2009, movehead wrote:I saw this film last night and I think it is well worth watching. Great story, and although a little long didn't seem it while in the cinema as it keeps the attention all the way.
The special effects were great and very similar to those used in the final destination films.
The sound track to certain films made me laugh a little, with a strange relation to 80's si-fi films very star trek ish.
The acting wasn't to bad tho there was a scene with Cages son crying that was on the poor side!
As for Cage, he needs to watch out for his voice or he'll soon be mistaken for Clint Eastwood!
4 Star ****
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Comment number 2.
At 27th Mar 2009, movehead wrote:edit to above: The sound track to certain scenes made me laugh a little, with a strange relation to 80's si-fi films very star trek ish.
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Comment number 3.
At 28th Mar 2009, happymothertrucker wrote:i seen this film last night,went on a bit ,seem to take a long time to build up,the fx are amazing the train one my fav,bit like signs strange ending thou,always liked nic cage didnt think its his best but is good actor in the film if you know what i meen,i did fall asleep but that may of been cause i was up at 3.30 that morning for work :-) i would recomend to go and see it but dont expect too much................
i give it 3 stars !!!!!!!
keep on trucking
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