Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Grim sci-fi thriller is too intense for young kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Knowing
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 45 parent reviews
Based on 103 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a thrilling yet disturbing exploration of catastrophic events, with a gripping storyline that captivates many viewers, although it features intense violence and unsettling imagery that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While there are opinions on its ending being rushed or confusing, overall it is recommended for older teens and adults who can handle its darker themes and graphic content.
- thrilling plot
- disturbing images
- violence present
- not for young kids
- mixed reviews on ending
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When a time capsule buried by an elementary school class in 1959 is dug up in 2009, one little girl's strange, unsettling entry -- a paper filled with hundreds of random numbers -- finds its way into the hands of single dad/astrophysicist John Koestler (Nicolas Cage) and his son, Caleb (Chandler Canterbury). John soon determines that the numbers aren't random at all: They actually reveal a prophetic listing of all the major catastrophies on earth since 1959 -- and, even more frightening, disasters in the immediate future. Is it coincidence or part of a grand plan? Fear and panic escalate as John, working with the daughter (Rose Byrne) of the now-dead little girl who foresaw it all, tries to stop the inevitable.
Is It Any Good?
KNOWING wants to be a lot of things, but logical isn't one of them. From early in the movie when John lectures his M.I.T. students about randomism vs. determinism (unsubtly setting the stage for what's to come and also sounding like he's talking to a seventh grade class) to the final moments when Earth's very survival is at stake, style and action take precedence over coherence.
The characters never behave in a rational way, instead serving only to move the story from one harrowing event to another. In its desire to cover such major issues as humankind's frailty in the face of nature, religion, parenting, and even a glimmer of hope for the future, the film loses its way amid showy special effects, thinly drawn characters, and lack of plausibility. Dark City, an early Alex Proyas movie, was far more successful at giving life to the science-fiction genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie creates suspense. Would it be as spooky or scary without the music, close-up shots, or shadows?
Parents, if the movie's end-of-the-world subject matter upsets your kids, be sure to address their fears.
And on a lighter note, you can also discuss what you'd put in a time capsule to represent your life.
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 20, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : July 7, 2009
- Cast : Chandler Canterbury , Nicolas Cage , Rose Byrne
- Director : Alex Proyas
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disaster sequences, disturbing images, and brief strong language
- Last updated : January 9, 2023
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