Phenomenon (1996) User Reviews

Sometimes you just gotta go with it

[=G= · 7/10 · 16 September 2003]

"Phenomenon" is about a small town auto mechanic (Travolta) who experiences something he can only describe as being "light" and suddenly has peculiar powers such as being able to learn to speak Portuguese in 20 minutes or understanding Dianetics. At issue is, will these powers, which make him the object of fear and awe by the townsfolk, help of hurt his chances with his reluctant love interest (Sedgwick). An pleasant little folksy, Mayberry RFDish flick, "Phenomenon" sticks to the people story and doesn't go off into sci-fi-land as it conjures up the warm and fuzzies, takes a romantic turn with the best haircut & shave since "Wrestling Ernest Hemingway", and tries hard to deliver a message about what's important in life. Yes, the film gets a little sugary sweet but...okay, it gets a lot sugary sweet...but, if you go with it and don't fight it you'll be assured of a pleasant three star watch. Good stuff for sentimentalists. (B)

Phenomenon: A Heartfelt Exploration of Humanity and Superhuman Abilities

[marcelopietrovich · 7/10 · 26 February 2023]

"Phenomenon" is a poignant and moving drama that showcases John Travolta's immense talent. His portrayal of George Malley, a man who gains superhuman abilities, is captivating and heartfelt. The film explores themes of humanity, love, and the power of the mind in a way that is both thought-provoking and touching.

Director Jon Turteltaub expertly balances the supernatural elements of the story with the grounded, human drama, creating a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The supporting cast, including Kyra Sedgwick and Forest Whitaker, also deliver strong performances that complement Travolta's work.

Overall, "Phenomenon" is a powerful and unforgettable film that showcases the best of both science fiction and drama. It's a must-watch for fans of Travolta and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking, character-driven stories that explore the depths of the human experience.

Shot in the dark

[ed_two_o_nine · 6/10 · 26 November 2009]

Well I approached this movie with trepidation thinking this was going to be some pseudo babble about higher powers and higher beings. Instead I was pleasantly surprised without being blown away. Basically this is the story of George Malley (Travaolta) a small town mechanic who though an unexplainable phenomenon becomes able to function of a higher level, gaining the ability to process information like no other human being. This plays out affecting all his relationships and drawing attention from the wider world. There is lots to like here and Travolta is earnest enough, and maybe this is just me but I really struggle to accept him as a small town mechanic he is just not every day enough for me to carry of these sort of roles. But on the plus point he is supported by the ever wonderful Robert Duvall and Forrest Whittaker and his best friends. This has a good message at its core without being spectacular at anything. Would I watch it again. On a rainy day yes and preferably with my wife.

A Phenomenal Experience.

[tfrizzell · 23 June 2004]

An ordinary small-town man (John Travolta) sees a flash of light in the sky one night and then starts to experience super-intelligence and telekinesis. Soon he is changing everyone's life for the better (most notably love interest Kyra Sedgwick, town doctor Robert Duvall and best friend Forest Whitaker). Slyly funny and innovative at first and then impressively dramatic and thought-provoking, "Phenomenon" is an effective picture that comes through because of good performances across the board and smart screen-writing. Travolta and Duvall are excellent together and they share the spotlight in the venture. Under-rated production that should be given a try. It is one of those films that will cause your emotions to come shining through. 4 stars out of 5.

Yep

[michaeltrivedi · 7/10 · 10 September 2020]

Now John Travolta is one weird guy. Though I like his movies, and I like his characters. They are all so different than himself.

Here is a good one and an old one. A guy gets hit by an alien force, and becomes a genius with the power to move things with his mind.

It was very good actually. Not Oscar worthy or great or anything. Just a good movie worth watching. It's really got everything, and is a good time for the whole family.

Highly recommend

7 stars

Good-natured weeper with agreeable and sensitive acting by John Travolta

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 19 July 2023]

Stars an ordinary man living in a small town , a simple Iowa car mechanic called George Malley . After celebrating a local party on his 37th birthday with friends at the bar/hang-out , George heads for home finds himself knocked out by a white light in the sky , he pauses to watch a strange light and then collapses suddenly coming into possession of remarkable powers that enable him to move objects without touching them , predict earthquakes and learn new languages in a matter of minutes . Some things in life just can't be explained ! .

John Travolta lands a plum character in this enjoyable and potentially intriguing drama , but even his down-to-earth charm can't keep sentimentality at bay . Resulting to be a charming and sentimental movie but turns too paranoid , at times . There's the subsequent harassing when the development of these superpowers bring him to the attention of the scientific community and , of course , the military ; while the locals scorn him , thus fulfilling the Hollywood stereotype of rural townfolks fearing anything they don't understand . It starts well , a bit like a Frank Capra fantasy , but there's a dark shock ahead and you'll end up feeling not only cheated of a good mystery but also wishing you'd bought more tissues . John Travolta gives a moving and sympathetic acting playing George Malley, who owns the local auto repair shop in a small California town when sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis . As Travolta gets to be the nice guy , while attractive Kyra Segdwick is splendid as romantic interest Lace . They're stunningly accompanied by a familiar support cast , such as : Forest Whitaker , Robert Duvall , Jeffrey DeMunn , Richard Kiley , David Gallagher , Tony Genaro and Bruce A Young .

Displaying a rousing , stirring musical score by composer Thomas Newman. As well as colorful , brilliant cinematography by cameraman Phedon Papamichael . The flick was decent and professionally directed by Jon Turteltaub . Jon is a fine craftsman , a producer and director who has got some successes , such as : Megalodon (2018) , Last Vegas (2013) , The Kid (2000) , Phenomenon (1996), Cool runnings (1993) , While you were sleeping (1995) . And collaborated with notorious producer Jerry Bruckheimer in three hits , such as : ¨The Sorcerer's Apprentice¨, ¨National treasure¨ and ¨National treasure : Book of secrets¨ . Rating : 6.5/10 . Better than average . Well worth seeing . Essential and indispensable watching for John Travolta fans.

What It Could Have Been

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 11 May 1999]

I don't consider "Phenomenon" a great movie. I also don't see it as a "feel good" movie. The message it gives us is that when we have a treasure in our midst, the first thing we do is try to ridicule, diminish, or destroy. This may sound cynical, but as one who has worked with gifted children, I've seen the name-calling and taunting. When George gets his "gift," he becomes like a small child--gathering knowledge--absorbing the implications of his power. He should have read some history, however, because he would have better understood the way he was being treated. At least he wasn't burned at the stake. The circus comes to town and he is the freak--even being granted healing powers--something he has never claimed to have. While very touching it disappoints, becoming even a bit clichéd (we've been down this road with Cliff Robertson's "Charly"). The writers needed to go deeper into their "what if" banks and ask themselves more about the implications of George's being. Still, Travolta's performance is sensitive and touching, showing why he has become one of our best actors.

One of my all-time favorites.

[a16a16k · 10/10 · 12 March 2000]

This movie doesn't get the credit that it deserves. Travolta's speech at the end of the movie to the doctor is incredible. Rarely do I ever see a movie that acknowledges the value of a single human life like this movie does. Most movies glorify sacrifice. This movie glorifies life. I highly recommend it.

Celebrates the beauty and wonder of life

[PudgyPandaMan · 7/10 · 17 January 2009]

This movie has something we can all relate to - relationships... in our community, to our neighbors, our friends, our loves.

This movie has a comfortable feel to it - like an old pair of jeans. There is the small town setting where everyone knows everyone. They did a great job casting and you truly believe these people have known each other their whole lives.

There are some memorable scenes here - one of my favorites being when she cuts his hair and shaves his face in his kitchen. Its a very romantic and sensual scene without having to be explicit. They don't even kiss. Its just the nearness of each other and how tender she is with him. Very sweet moment. You can see her defenses start to melt and let herself feel something for him. It was filmed beautifully with nice close-ups.

I also like the scene where he is working frantically in the garden and suddenly stops and starts listening to and watching the wind in the trees. Then he starts swaying in tune with the trees.

I think this is one of Travolta's best performances as he helps us get to know and understand George Malley. His interpretation of the character is crystal clear and brilliantly done. He has an underlying sweetness and enthusiasm that works well for this character. I liked Sedgewick okay - but I think Travolta outshines her here. Duvall also does a great job as Doc.

There are a lot of good messages here about living our life to the fullest and reaching our potential. I liked the analogy of "buying her chairs" and how to find out what your love is "into". The film is about change, acceptance and love. And that people don't like the unexpected but would prefer to live the same predictable lives. I really enjoyed this film and think you will too.

I think the story was well written and has you guessing at what has really happened to George - was it aliens, some physical phenomenon, or a medical condition.

This will forever be my favorite John Travolta movie!

[lawn819 · 10/10 · 24 July 2004]

This movie shows John Travolta at his best. I think his performance here should have been nominated for an Oscar. What a lovely, powerful film. It's a paean to all the geeks in the world. George is clearly beloved by his fellow residents, but after he sees THE LIGHT, he becomes a misfit because of the changes in him. Those changes mean he becomes an insider, a stranger in a strange land. He becomes even more precious than he had been in the first 11 minutes of the film. He is at once bewildered and amazed at the changes in him. He is fascinated by every aspect of the world, and the viewer goes willingly on the journey with him. I have probably seen this movie ten times since its release in 1996. I will always regard this film as my favorite John Travolta movie and my favorite Kyra Sedgwick movie.

The untapped power of the mind and spirit

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 4 March 2013]

John Travolta's "Phenomenon" from 1996 is similar to "Powder", which came out some eight months earlier. Both films are about a gifted individual with unusual powers and the reactions of those around him. "Phenomenon" differs from "Powder" in that it's about a regular guy (Travolta) who suddenly gains amazing abilities, rather than an outcast who already has them.

The other characters include a woman whom he wants to date (Kyra Sedgwick), his best friend (Forest Whitaker), his doctor (Robert Duvall), a marveling professor and miscellaneous townsfolk & government agents. The story takes place in a small town in Northern California (shot in Auburn, CA).

This is an interesting "What if?" story. What would happen if an average Joe suddenly attained genius and telekinesis? The film explores the untapped power of the mind and spirit. What great things would we be able to do if we were able to tap into this vast reservoir of potential! The ordinary person might likely respond with skepticism, but the story is based on numerous real-life examples, albeit perhaps not as pronounced as Travolta's character.

I've had my own run-ins with such things. For instance, about five years ago I was in bed having an intense dream when my wife burst into the room to wake me up. The smoke alarm outside the door was blaring like crazy, but there was no smoke or fire (or heat). The intense energy evoked by my dream obviously set it off because, as soon as I woke, it suddenly stopped. If there was any doubt, the same thing happened the next week. What can explain this except the untapped power of the mind and focused energy?

Another example comes to mind, albeit different: when I was around 8 years old my family and I were walking the trails of Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis when we came to the edge of a baseball field. As soon as we entered the outfield somehow I just knew that the current batter was going to hit the ball and it was going to hit me right in the face. I knew this but I didn't know how I knew it. I just knew. Next thing you know the batter hits the ball high into the air -- it was like slow motion -- and it came and hit me right on the cheek! (Good thing it was a softball, huh?). How did I KNOW this was going to happen? I don't know, but it's pretty amazing and it shows the power of the mind and spirit to warn us, which some call intuition.

It goes without saying that "Phenomenon" is worthwhile just for effectively exploring such amazing things and provoking thought.

Travolta's character is somewhat of a type of Christ in the story, which makes the ending a bit unsatisfying. I don't want to say too much (no spoilers), but the question arises: If he possesses the genius and power to do all that he does in the film, why couldn't he use these powers to deal with a certain situation at the end? To me, the writers and filmmakers took the easy way out by giving us a "realistic" ending. In short, they played it safe.

Still, this is a good movie if you like dramas and the subject matter piques your interest.

The film runs 123 minutes.

GRADE: B

More than it might seem to be

[daghda_jim · 8 October 2003]

I think any movie that can be described as both (a) a Scientology recruiting pamphlet, and (b) an analogy to Jesus' life has to be a bit out of the ordinary. In some ways, this film reminds me of another seeming science fiction movie that really turned out to be about people's response to the unusual: `Charly' In both films an extraordinary increase in intelligence frightened the people around the main character; they just couldn't deal with it and feared him for it. The love story was a gem. Lacy had obviously been badly hurt by a past relationship, and simply didn't want to encourage George's love. But when he began to be hurt by the way some of his friends treated him, she warmed and opened her heart to him. The way George tried to describe how he looked at things differently and saw relationships that he'd never seen before reminded me of classical descriptions of the act of creativity in many fields. And it's a sad thing but true that we are all capable of concentrating harder and focusing on things to achieve more, but it's very difficult, and more often than not, we tend to take the easier road. Good thought-provoking flick.

light tone keeps tension too low for too long and too many overly simplistic characters

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 18 April 2015]

George Malley (John Travolta) is the nice owner of the local auto repair shop. Everybody likes him and there's a party at the local bar for his birthday. He likes Lace Pennamin (Kyra Sedgwick) but she resists complicating her kids' lives. As he leaves the party, he is struck down by a bright light. He slowly finds his mind expanding and develops telekinetic abilities. Nobody really believes him at first. He is supported by friends Nate Pope (Forest Whitaker), Tito and Doc Brunder (Robert Duvall). He predicts an earthquake. Prof. John Ringold (Jeffrey DeMunn) is a seismologist who comes to investigate. The townfolks turn from bemusement to bewilderment to suspicion. Nate has been sending radio messages for George who deciphered a top secret code and the FBI arrests them.

The insistence to keep a light upbeat tone keeps the inherit tension very low for the first half. I like the story but director Jon Turteltaub keeps it from being taken serious. I like the love story and the overall story. I don't find the light tone that compelling. This is basically a superhero origin story and I'm all for it. The locals are too idiotic and too simplistic. It's too easy. Also the FBI threatening the professor is a bit too easy. It's more in line with a simple comic book. I just wish it treated this imaginary world more seriously and with more subtlety.

some parts could have been done differently

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 24 August 2006]

A previous reviewer noted an aspect of "Phenomenon" that I probably should have realized earlier: it seems to be a Scientologist idea, maybe even an adaptation of Jesus's life. If so, then that weakens the movie. But if not, then the movie's pretty interesting. I really liked the scene where the guy interviews George Malley (John Travolta) and George goes beyond impressing him. I personally think that they could have ended the movie a little differently, but otherwise, it was an interesting look at life. Also starring Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall, Jeffrey DeMunn and Brent Spiner.

I would have liked to have learnt more Portuguese than the movie identified.

Man sees stars, gets smart

[helpless_dancer · 7/10 · 1 February 2001]

Enjoyable film with Travolta playing the part of a man with some very odd goings on in his life. This picture said a lot about human nature's down side as the townspeople and the always paranoid government begin mistrusting and harassing a man who has done absolutely nothing wrong. Fortunately, there was definite plus side to the movie; well worth seeing.

Nothing phenomenal here...

[moonspinner55 · 3/10 · 29 March 2008]

On the night of his birthday, a mechanic from an idyllic farming community sees a bright light in the skies; it appears to fire something into him, knocking him off his feet, and by the next minute he has an extraordinarily clear head (nothing is made of the connection between the supernatural occurrence and the character's birthday--that's just a ruse to get him outside at night!). Soon, he's speaking fluent Spanish, reading three books a day, unscrambling Morse Code, building rocking chairs and beating the local doctor at chess! Despite an innate charm and his actorly commitment to the role, nothing about John Travolta suggests a rural simpleton. When he's slopping the pigs or working furiously underneath cars at the garage, Travolta looks as out of place as, well, Robert Duvall as the small town medico addicted to chess. Much of the hero's progress is done up in happy montages to pop songs ("Every day is a winding road"), while he attempts to woo a sassy single mom using auto innuendo (!). After he alienates just about everyone in town, we're meant to see that maybe he was better off not having a genius brain (alas, these yokels are too 'simple' to understand). A condescending feel-good concoction that is determined to manage all of our responses. Once the FBI is called in, smart-thinking viewers will use their brains and jump ship. Is there anything not fabricated about "Phenomenon"? *1/2 from ****

An Inspiration!

[jhazelett72 · 9/10 · 6 September 2001]

An ex-girlfriend talked me into seeing this movie, and I am happy she did. In my opinion, John Travolta deserved at least a nomination for an Oscar here, if not the award itself. The story was decent, but the performances of Travolta, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall, and Kyra Sedgwick made me care about what was happening on the screen. By no means is this a romantic comedy. It's romantic, probably the most romantic film I have seen in a long time. The reason for that is simple...it's real. In most movies you see the main characters sleep together within a day at the most, which rarely happens with two people who are really in love. True love has to take time and effort, which is exactly what you see here. Travolta's George is patient, but not because he wants to be. If you're a romantic at heart you will understand and relate to him, and you will hope for his success as you would for your own. Without giving anything away, I will tell you that the ending is sad, but also heartwarming. George has his "experience" for no other reason than to suggest what we as humans can become. Phenomenon is a story about our potential, the good and bad things that can happen to us if we achieve it. We could only be so lucky, and watching the movie is a good start. I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Enjoyable little movie.

[johncusacksback · 6/10 · 25 July 2003]

**1/2 out of ****

This is a fine vehicle for John Travolta and he makes the most of it, but there is not much else happening here. The movie has a good premise and the filmmakers let us know it by stretching its limits in every single way. It has a nice small town charm to it and the characters are extremely likeable, but the story too often steers in the wrong direction and becomes too large scale. The performances are the main reason to watch this one.

Travolta and Duval at their finest.....

[myklrichter · 3 August 2000]

This movie was, without a doubt, one of the finest ever made in a long, long time. I was expecting ti to take a sci-fi route with abductions and vulcan mind-melds...but the ending and explanation for George's predicament are not only plausable but heart-breaking. You cannot help but feel for a like George Malley. I didn't buy into too much of the hyseria surrounding the townsfolk as it seemed a little "tacked on"...but the performances by Travolta, Duval, Kyra Sedgwick and Forrest Whitaker made up for any shortcomings and plot holes. I have watched this movie time and time again and the combination of true emotional drama and a beautiful score nearly bring me to tears everytime. 9 out of 10.

More Than the Sum

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 21 November 2005]

Phenomenon was so much better than the sum of its parts. The movie is almost 2 hours long, which takes you from "fun" to almost "epic" (the exact crossover point is hard to tell). The main character is John Travolta, whose acting is questionable. It was actually pretty good in this film, until the brain expedition part where he reverted back to talking through his teeth like in "Broken Arrow". This made me almost cry. Robert Duvall is great as Robert Duvall, the best Robert Duvall he's played since he played Robert Duvall in "Falling Down" with Michael Douglas. Yes, I enjoy saying Robert Duvall. But anyway, the movie was really good. If you want to see a film about a man who sees a bright light and then becomes hyper-intelligent, this is the film you're looking for. The romance part is little confusing and almost distracting, but it could have been worse. I recommended this.

Interesting show, if you can accept it as just a show.

[tstein5 · 6/10 · 31 May 2003]

It may seem to some to be a vehicle for Scientology; to others it may be a retelling of the life of Jesus. To me, it's just a nice show.

It's good to see Forest Whitaker and Robert Duvall. They certainly breathe life into their characters.

The pace gets a bit slow, especially the last third or so. It's a bit manipulative and predictable, too.

I turn off the sound during the "haircut" scene; Aaron Neville's version of "Crazy Love" is just too shallow for me. Van Morrison did so much better, plus he wrote it! Why not use his version?!

Relax, enjoy, Peace

Not Great, Not Terrible

[Lord_Kingsley · 6/10 · 19 July 2007]

I saw this movie last night when my roommate's girlfriend came to visit. At first, I was just going to do something else like take a walk, but I found myself taken in by John Travolta's "Aw, shucks"-type character. Neither he, nor the movie itself, take themselves too seriously, and I think that's what makes it work. Still, it's a pretty generic tearjerker and a big time chick flick. But if you take it for what it is, it's pretty enjoyable. It's especially fun to see Travolta's character, whose brain suddenly absorbs any and all knowledge it can, still be unable to grasp why this has come about. Forrest Whittaker is also a lot of fun as his nerdy HAM radio- operating, Diana Ross-obsessed farmer friend. Throw in a single mom love interest with some cute, precocious kids and you've got a Hollywood formula that still works to this day.

One of my all time favorites!

[sunchick116-872-583383 · 10/10 · 25 January 2020]

Shocked to see so many low scores and reviews here. I was 10 when this movie came out and have loved it ever since. I've never been one of those people that cares what a persons religion is or their politician affiliation so all the comments about this movie being Scientology propaganda are shocking to me. Can you really not separate character and actor? You've got a problem if you can't. This is just a heartbreaking film about an extraordinary event that turns tragic. I remember it being my first time seeing forest whitaker and he was so great as the comedic character of the film. John travolta and kyra Sedgwick have amazing chemistry. You really can't go wrong with it.

An incredibly neat idea for a film...with a simply terrible ending!

[planktonrules · 4/10 · 3 March 2023]

I must warn you about watching "Phenomenon". While the plot idea is exciting and enjoyable, the way the film ends is incredibly frustrating and depressing...and I cannot imagine a worse ending for the film! It's a shame, as I really loved the movie up until it felt like the filmmakers pulled the rug out from under the audience with the ending. Yes, it's THAT bad!

George (John Travolta) is a decent and likable man...and rather ordinary when it comes to his intelligence. However, one night he's struck by a ball of energy from space and after he awakens, it seems his brain has been awakened. Soon, he is showing super-human powers and abilities...such as the ability to learn languages in minutes, invent all sorts of strange and useful devices as well as do some telekinesis (moving small objects with his mind). Because of this, his friends and neighbors start to become afraid of him and the government gets involved, sort of like in "E. T.".

In many ways, the basic plot idea is like those I've seen in two TV episodes...the second "Star Trek" pilot ("Where No Man Has Gone Before") as well as a "Twilight Zone" episode where aliens give a man super-human strength and then super-human intelligence ("Mr. Dingle, the Strong"). But these were either done as horror ("Star Trek") or comedy ("Twilight Zone")...and the way the filmmakers developed the plot in "Phenomenon" really impressed me...up until the ending which completely ruined the film! Yes, it is THAT disappointing and awful. Just don't say I didn't warn you...but the cast's nice performances were overshadowed by the end. Oh, and did I mention that the contrived explanation for George's powers at the end never really explained his telekinesis?!

I have an idea

[nacuta · 1/10 · 25 December 2015]

Here's a good idea for a movie--I'm going to hire an actor who is a has been from dance movies from the seventies and eighties, who is known to be one of the worst actors in the modern era. Pair him with an actress who is a two dimensional actress with no ability whatsoever. Then I will make a movie that has enough material to fill a short and find a way to stretch it over a full feature film. Oh, wait, Phenomenon already did that. There is nothing in this movie worth watching. Travolta's character has this sense about things, he and Sedwick talk a lot, then you wake up on your couch a few hours later and realize the movie is over.