Phenomenon (1996)

Such a frustrating disappointment

n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

"Everything is on it's way to Somewhere" was a wonderful quote from the movie. All three individuals share eating the apple and it becomes part of them...forever.Anyway, the movie was decent. Too much emotional strain on a lot of the characters, but that seems to be typical, modern homo homo sapiens behavior (and Hollywood.) The science talk and science experiments throughout the movie was my favorite, even though there was a non- believable mysterious light that came from the sky and made John T. super smart. The town appears to be very close with one another. The woman John T. displays interest for throughout the movie demonstrates a "hard to get" attitude. That was annoying to watch because women who display that selfish behavior can live alone for the rest of their lives for what it matters. Overall, it was a decent movie.

I enjoyed the movie just for the story. I didn't read in to it as an add for Scientology like some people did. It was an emotionally moving film from beginning to end and I could watch it over and over again. George Malley is a likable character right from the opening scene, and his pursuit of Lace Pennamin felt honest and sincere as we watch it grow. Yes there are some plot points that need work but over all the film was a great work.The ending is not what you expect and is one of the best parts of the film. Unfortunately I can't say much with out spoilers, even though the move is twenty years old now.The only John Tavolta film to surpass this would be A Civil Action.

This movie was in my cable last week and for some reason, I never heard about it. "Phenomenon" isn't a known movie in Brazil, but that didn't stop me watching it. In the first minutes, John Travolta's character gains a strange power that makes him extremely intelligent. For obvious reasons, people start threatening him, living up to the famous phrase "the nail that sticks out gets hammered". Cast has common performances, with highlight to the bar fighting scenes. Even thought the plot doesn't get deeply into a romance or anything, we have beautiful messages and thoughts about life in general; George Malley is a great character and sometimes I could identify myself with him. The ending is beautiful and not that cliché. Worth it.

They say that the average person only uses about five percent of their available brain power. This film examines what might happen if one were to unleash the remaining ninety five percent. Actually, that could be a very scary thought, as we see what happens to George Malley (John Travolta) when he begins to develop a super-human learning ability and the power of telekinesis. So there's also the fear of the unknown thrown into the mix, as George's friends and neighbors are at first amazed and then wary of George's ability, as if he might possibly turn his powers against them.I generally don't remark on a film's IMDb rating, but this one is bafflingly low at 6.3 as I write this. Travolta and the supporting cast are quite competent in their roles, with Kyra Sedgwick valiantly walking that fine line of guarding against another hurtful relationship balanced against finding that special someone who she can open her heart to once again. For once a film capably tells it's story without resorting to the principals hitting the sack in an obligatory love scene.What I also liked about the film was the way George's true friends stuck by him through thick and thin. Nate (Forest Whitaker) and Doc (Robert Duvall) never wavered in their loyalty even if it meant going against some of the locals who were willing to throw George under the bus. All in all, this was a heartwarming film that tells it's story with a bit of whimsy on it's way to a life affirming message about achieving one's full potential.