'Knowing' Updates Biblical Armageddon

With shades of Signs, the Bible Code and Nostradamus's predictions woven through the story, Knowing is the kind of science fiction film I enjoy because there's a trace of plausibility to it.

Sensational effects, Nicholas Cage's acting and an Armageddon-themed script combine to make this one of the best action/mystery films in a long time. Add the theme of chaos versus destiny -- nothingness versus God -- and the film has a spiritual depth.

Effects-wise, the disasters rival those in Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and Deep Impact, the giant earth-ending meteor movie.

Actual Biblical references are minimal, but the lead character does soul-searching in dealing with his wife's death and his lack of belief as the son of a minister. Despite a few slow areas and some head-scratching behavior on the part of MIT professor John Koestler, played by Cage, the film delivers, and the disaster scenes are unforgettable.