Deus Ex Machina?

Can anyone cite any modern examples of this literary device in modern literature, film, etc? Are there any genres or sub-genres that tend to lean on it more than others? Where do you draw the line between a deus ex machina ending and an unexpected and fantastic twist?Deus Ex Machina?
I recently read "Hide" by Lisa Gardner, which was very well written until the end, when she manipulated the reader using deus ex machina in the resolution. It was my first (and last) Lisa Gardner book.



It just goes to prove a writer absolutely must take care not to write him/herself into a corner where the only way out is to invent something and not let the reader in on it. You'll only alienate your audience.



An unexpected and fantastic twist is wonderful as long as some sort of clue was presented earlier in the film/book. Even if it was just one tiny clue the reader/audience discarded as unimportant - as long as the reader/audience can then look back and recall the clue and say, "OH! I should have KNOWN! Brilliant!" That's what's great about a fantastic twist.



Deus ex machina presents no previous clues and that is its major failing.
A deus ex machina ending ruins a well written movie. Usually happens when the whole movie leads to a down ending, and screenings show that audiences seem to want an upbeat ending, which does not follow the plot arc at all. Leads to movies directed by "Alan Smithee," which is a code for the director taking his name off of it.Deus Ex Machina?
How about the Matrix? About as flagrent an example as I can imagine.
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King is an exercise in Deus Ex Machina....Deus Ex Machina?
Half the people on here can't spell four-letter words properly, and you're asking deus ex machina questions? Rotsa ruck.
Kind of like where you find out Bruce Willis is actually dead!
Perhaps the most famous example of deus ex machina is the cliche in westerns of the calvary appearing out of nowhere to save the day. Science fiction and fantasy lend themselves most readily to the use of this device as they can create Godlike wizards, aliens, etc. capable of solving any problems characters may face.
Stephen King used this in the last Dark Tower novel as there was a character that could "erase" other characters.
I delineate that by looking for foreshadowing clues. If there are none, and if the resolution seems to be based on incredible coincidence or through matters never brought up in the piece, then that's a Dues ex Machina ending. I tend not to like those. Give me a Prestige anyday.