Phenomenon (Widescreen)

What this movie is, actually, is a story about a man learning to cope with something that he can't understand, and how it brings him closer to his friends and his community, and how it allows him to understand and deal with his own fate.

Yes, it's a bit sappy at times, but it also contains some really excellent performances. Travolta delivers what it certainly his most authentic and touching portrayal of a real human being yet seen in his post-Tarantino career. Forrest Whittaker and Robert Duvall likewise contribute first-rate performances. A wonderful contemporary soundtrack ties it all together.


A gift for your 37th birthday   June 11, 2004
George Malley is part of a close knit rural community. He is celebrating his birthday. On his way home he sees a bright light. After that his world changes. He finds he can think clearer and do extraordinary things.
Now we see if this is a gift or a curse. How will his friends and others deal with his "Phenomenon?"

The concept of the movie is not new. However it is the execution of the story and the interaction of the characters that make this a top notch film. You could also tell that John Travolta has a great time making this film. Many of the other actors fit the parts so well hat you forgot they were acting.

If you like this film, the film "Resurrection" (1980) with Ellen Burstyn is similar but more serious.


Romantic Drama With Healthy Comedy   May 18, 2004
I originally saw this movie in the theater and was pleasantly surprised. Not that I can see it at home the film's wonder has not disappeared.

Phenomenon stars John Travolta (with an appearance by Brent Spiner of ST:NG). The premise of this film is that John sees a light in the sky that hits him and knocks him out. After that he has increased brain usage. This enables him to read quickly, comprehend, think clearly and even perform minor telekinesis. In the small town in which he lives this sort of thing can cause some problems and fear. Robert Duval gives an excellent portrayal of a small town doctor and the rest of the cast does a marvelous job.

Phenomenon is partly a love story as John pursues the woman of his dreams, but it is also much more. It is a film about facing the unknown and the wonder of learning. While much of the film is funny it is definitely not a comedy and you should be prepared to have various emotional strings pulled throughout the film. An excellent choice for fans of romantic comedies and romantic dramas.


Good intentions, good follow through, bad ending   April 18, 2004
This retelling of "Stranger in a Strange Land" explores the possibility that, in a crazy society such as our own, someone might discover sanity/genius and thus become completely alienated. It does a great job of that; unfortunately, the story is paced incorrectly and thus has a long introduction, a crammed development and a schmaltzy, lengthy, sickening ending. Like most tales in which a character is suddenly a genius, such as "Flowers For Algernon," there's a conflict between love for a woman and the alienation of someone feared by others for his ability. To his credit, John "I was in Disco movies" Travolta does a great job of portraying a man overwhelmed by his own intellect, looking every bit like someone who gets struck by revelation every few minutes. He's also every bit as childish and handsomely unintentionally aloof as a genius would be, and is enigmatic in that role; Kyra Sedgewick does a great job with her 1.5-dimensional character. This movie ultimately would do best if the rock/folk music interludes were cut and replaced with some silent scenes, and if the last 30 minutes were reduced from hanky-sopping drama to a few insights and then a slightly more ambiguous, less Christ-like ending. Overall however this is an exceptional movie for a broken society in a broken time.


A wonderful, poignant film to be enjoyed by all   March 20, 2004
Normally I am the type that would ignore a film with John Travolta and Kyra Sedgewick; I would assume it was too mainstream, not original, etc. I'm not sure how then I did come to see this film, but I must say I am glad I did.

This is a gem of a movie, about life, death, regret, etc. It is just so poignant. I've now seen the film a few times, and every time, I get a lump in my throat at the end. (I especially also liked the "apple scene"!) The music really works in this film as well.