Movie-A-Day #420: Phenomenon

[Shane]

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Trailer can be seen here:


Cast:
John Travolta - George Malley
Kyra Sedgwick - Lace Pennamin
Forest Whitaker - Nate Pope
Jeffrey DeMunn - Professor Ringold
Robert Duvall - Doc
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Producer: Barbara Boyle, Michael Taylor

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:
Director Jon Turteltaub followed up the hit While You Were Sleeping (1995) with this fantasy similar to Charly (1968) and a film from the previous year, Powder (1994). John Travolta stars as George Malley, a humble mechanic in a rural California town. On his 37th birthday, George celebrates at a pub with friends Nate (Forest Whitaker) and Doc (Robert Duvall), the local physician. When he steps outside, George observes a bright light in the sky that knocks him briefly unconscious. When he awakens, George has incredible intellectual powers. He checks books out of the library in armfuls, becomes an inventor, a psychic, has telekinetic powers, predicts an earthquake, and memorizes Portuguese in minutes. Using his newfound powers, George becomes a hero, but he can't totally win over the spooked townsfolk or the standoffish Lace (Kyra Sedgwick), a single mom burned by love once too often. As George's kindness breaks down Lace's reserve and a romance begins, his fame spreads, bringing him to the attention of the FBI and curious university scientists.

My Review: Just a great heartfelt movie IMO. Good acting all the way around by a fantastic cast. Just a good story with a not so quite happy ending that still makes you feel good. Personally I feel this is one of Travolta's best acting performances in what has been an amazingly good career. I know this movie isn't overly popular but I thoroughly enjoy it each and every time I watch it.

 

[Chaplin]

Not a huge fan of this movie. Overly schmaltzy with a predictable ending.

 

[UncleChris]

Warm and fuzzy..... Watch it with your sig other.

I'm with you, Shane.

 

[Gaddabout]

Turteltaub has said this movie (and 'Powder,' for similar reasons) was difficult for him to make, because it's essentially the retelling of the Gospel According to Mark. Turteltaub is Jewish. It was repackaged in less offensive metaphysical clothing -- the familiar "we're all God" refrain -- but the story is a pretty faithful retelling of GoM in a modern homily.

There are better stories with more compelling Christological lede characters, though. This one was meant to appeal to a large audience. Turteltaub didn't have any special vision for the story (I'm not certain he does for any story, really).