Beginning with a story setter and fast forwarding to present day, Alex Proyas' Knowing is one of global proportions. The film, which follows Professor John Koestler and his surge for understanding, features some of the most riviting special effects to hit the big screen since 2004's The Day After Tomorrow. However, unlike the great films before it, Knowing never takes advantage of its strengths, relying heavily on its acting and story, ultimately falling by the waist side as a result.
The special effects, easily the film's most positive aspect, are hardly used as they serve as a backdrop to both the film's story and underlying message. The film is science fiction, that much is inarguable; however, for some reason, director Alex Proyas chose to concentrate more on character development, shifting the main focus from entertainment to enlightenment. The side-effects prove to be catastrophic as Knowing is never able to recover fully.
As the story unfolds and the mysterious dark figures finally become relevant to the progression of the film, you begin to take notice as to where the story is heading, thankful that a conclusion is just over the horizon. And though the final moments can not come quickly enough, I must give Proyas props for his imaginative conclusion that contains both intelligence and the all important wow-factor. However, while it does soften the blow, it is a little too late for the ultimate save.
Now don't get me wrong, the film is not horrible; however, please take note that it is a long tale of almosts. The cast is almost good in their often uneventful portrayals. The story is almost strong enough to merit its near two hour running time. And the ending is almost clever enough to send you off with a pleased feeling of satisfaction. But sadly, as you can probably tell, the almosts never translate into successes. Instead, audiences are greeted with a subpar film, featuring spectacular, though underused special effects, that will likely be a long lost memory by the time you reach the parking lot.
