This movie got a really bad rap from the critics, but I wanted to watch it because Alex Proyas made The Crow, a big hit when I was in high school, and Dark City, one of my all-time favourite movies. And after seeing it, I have to say that while it’s definitely not perfect, is not as bad as everyone says. My friend and I actually liked it quite a bit, up until the last few minutes. The ending rubbed us both the wrong way, and while I understand why the filmmakers did it for storytelling purposes, it doesn’t mean I had to like it. Much like Dark City, in fact, it falls apart at the end where the special effects really get ramped up, and while Dark City recovered nicely, Knowing didn’t so much. But it was still a good story, with great effects and something rare in sci-fi movies these days: originality. As an added bonus, Nicholas Cage was actually watchable. I haven’t liked him for quite a while, but he put in a very good performance in this movie. So watch Knowing, and remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect to be good.

Started with an intriguing premise and suitably mysterious and creepy tone. And I will allow that it’s probably Nic Cage’s best (ie least weird!) performance in ages. However, it’s not long before the whole thing gets quite frankly a bit odd – and seriously depressing. I like sci-fi for escapism, not to make me want to slit my wrists.