When Caleb, a young boy, opens a time capsule at his schoolafter 50 years, he is given a page covered with seemingly random numbers. Eventually, Caleb starts to hear strange voices and is approached on numerous occasions by masked people, much to Johns (Nicolas Cage), Calebs father, dismay. After John surveys the page, he soon realizes that the numbers on the page are all the time, date and area of every world-disaster over the past 50 years, and that there are 3 major disasters left to happen. Aidedby a reluctant Diana (Rose Byrne), he soon sets out to try and stop these events, and find out what happens when the numbers stop counting . . . Ill start this review by saying straight up that Knowing is a very bizarre film. While the plot overview may seem intriguing (albiet a tad odd), the plot soon spirals into something ridiculous that left me thinking 'WTF?'. Alex Proyas', the Directors, previous film was I,Robot, soyou cant be blamed by being intrigued by this movie, and I expected a fairly strong plot. However, the plot isa real disapointment as it showed great promise. Proyas' choice of music for the film is also a disapointment, as it feels incredibally out of place and ruins each scene.

However, where the film picks up is the disaster scenes in the film. Not only are the special effects nothing short of stunning, but the aftermath of (mainly the Plane scene) them is incredibally graphic and hard to watch in areas. The film is also aided by the Melbourne/New Zealand locations for the film, and the landscape choice that Proyas made is definately a highlight of the film. Probably the main draw to the film is the casting, with Nicolas Cage and Rose Byrne heading a good cast. The performances are definately worthy of a mention, and the supporting cast holds up very well. However, Proyas doesnt treat his characters/cast members with the respect that they deserve. When your advertising the film on the shoulders of an actress (aside from Nicolas Cage) like Rose Byrne, its probably best to give them upwards of 30 minutes of screen time and not end their story so abruptly. Also, Proyas made a really lousy attempt at character development. For example, John has stopped talking to his parents as they are deeply religious and his views conflict with their faith, and at the end of the film John is supposed to have gone threw a huge 'change of character'.

However, John seems no different. And even Johns grief after his wifes death, something that could really help Johns character, seems wasted as it doesnt go anywhere. In short, both these elements of Johns psychie are really unnecessary. And to add to this, Proyas includes close to no development on Rose Byrnes character, Diana, making her dull and a really pointless plot point. Knowing really intrigued me, as the plot seemed very interesting and the choice of cast, shooting locations and other footage shown (plane crash, anyone?) looked really good. However, the film is a real let down as it lacks polish, and hasa truly bizarre plot towards the end as well as many other points that let it down. Some great scenes only highlight this ultimately forgettable film.

Overall : 2.5/5 stars.