JIM reviews = “KNOWING” – Science + Fiction + Religion = Some Confusion.

“KNOWING” – Science + Fiction + Religion = Some Confusion. Rating: 7 of 10 stars.

The ads for this film gave the impression that it was mainly an action-themed “DISASTER” type flick. That was somewhat misleading: NICHOLAS CAGE stars as a widowed science teacher who has difficulties in raising his young son Caleb (well played by CHANDLER CANTERBURY). The son chances to get a strange document from a time capsule at his school, which Cage deciphers as a prediction of CATASTROPHES that have occurred in the past 50 years. Cage then strangely inserts himself into as-yet-UN-happened prophecies, despite the fact he’s risking his life by doing so. Also confusing are periodic references to religion (often conflicting with science & ‘fate’) and the way he & a woman he seeks out (ROSE BYRNE) keep leaving their kids ALONE in potentially-dangerous situations. There are a bunch of fascinating sections (such as Cage’s work unraveling the mysteries), with the scientific elements often contrasting with fiction and ‘other worlds’. Despite some weaknesses, it’s thought-provoking and intriguing overall.