Movie Reviews

"Knowing"

I this this movie has been out so long now that it isn't, or probably isn't, in the main theaters anymore but who cares I want to talk about it anyways! I found "Knowing" to be one of the most unique movies made in a long time. Nicolas Cage does a great job in his role as a professor and single father who loves his son but isn't entirely positive how to raise him to be independent in his thoughts and views while also fighting with his own doubts about the world and faith. Faith, however, is only a small part of the story. The movie is a very interesting mix of "Indiana Jones" and "Signs." When you combine these two different genres and throw in faith an interesting movie is created. I was in know hurry to share this movie with you because it probably isn't one you want to see in the theater but it is definitely worth a look if you want action, suspense, faith, and even a little bit of love.

"12"

I don't how many of you have seen "12 Angry Men" with Henry Fonda, it was released in 1957 and is clearly an American classic telling the tale of a jury discussing the fate of a a man with whom all the evidence points towards a guilty verdict. This version tells a interesting and informing story about how evidence can appear to make a case open and shut when looked at on the surface. This jury carefully examines ALL the evidence and testimonies with excruciating detail to determine the not guilty verdict. I tell you this because the movie is quite predictable in this area the interesting part is how the jury comes to the verdict.

"12" is a Russian remake of this film and is filmed completely in Russian. Even with subtitles this movie is just as good as its predecessor but it gets much more personal with the lives of the jurors and the accused. In fact, in "12 Angry Men" the audience doesn't meet anyone but the jury. While the personal stories actually are a bit overdone and difficult to find a true connection to the case, the movie does a good job showing the differences between the United States and Russia in a very similar situation. This movie even throws a surprise at the end which I will not reveal. This is a good movie to see but it is beneficial to watch the American version before watching the Russian version.