Is Anybody There? proves that talent, not age, will ultimately define successful acting careers.
Is Anybody There? (2009)
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Reviews Counted:114
Fresh:75
Rotten:39
Average Rating:6.3/10
Consensus: Though Michael Caine gives an excellent performance, Is Anybody There? features a cliche-filled story that ultimately falters.
Rated: PG-13 [See Full Rating] for language including sexual references, and some disturbing images.
Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:Apr 17, 2009 Limited
Box Office: $1,988,165
Synopsis: Growing up and growing old never played so poignantly as it does in John Crowley’s IS ANYBODY THERE? The film grapples with the sad truths of getting older and losing loved ones, all the while... Growing up and growing old never played so poignantly as it does in John Crowley’s IS ANYBODY THERE? The film grapples with the sad truths of getting older and losing loved ones, all the while maintaining a sardonic wit and sincere warmth. Coming of age in a family-run rest home, the reclusive, death-obsessed Edward (Bill Milner, SON OF RAMBOW) wiles away his days tormenting his parents’ elderly residents and secretly tape-recording them in search of answers about the afterlife. Edward finds a kindred spirit in Clarence (Michael Caine), the curmudgeonly, retired magician who begrudgingly takes up residence at the guest home. The two strike up an unlikely friendship that helps Clarence come to terms with losing his wife, and Edward finds a way out of his shell. Milner holds his own alongside veteran Caine with a biting yet charming performance. Anne-Marie Duff (NOTES ON A SCANDAL) and David Morrissey (BASIC INSTINCT 2) offer up moving support as Edward’s working-class parents, who struggle to hold onto their marriage while making ends meet. The colorful cast of senior citizens, which includes seasoned actors Rosemary Harris (Aunt May from the SPIDERMAN films) and Karl Johnson (HOT FUZZ, ROME), provides some of the film's most melancholy and comic moments. Along with stellar performances from the impressive ensemble, IS ANYBODY THERE? is well-scripted and beautifully shot. Though it deals with some of life’s toughest moments, this is a film that is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages. [More]
Starring: Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey
Starring: Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey, Rosemary Harris, Karl Johnson, Leslie Phillips, Elizabeth Spriggs
Director: John Crowley
Director: John Crowley
Screenwriter: Peter Harness
Producer: David Heyman, Marc Turtletaub, Peter Saraf
Composer: Joby Talbot
Studio: Big Beach Films
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Reviews for Is Anybody There?
Only the amusing attention to Eighties detail, such as Morrissey’s New Romantic mullet haircut, and an entertaining grumpy old man impression from Caine keep the film alive. But any laughs are drowned out by predictable melodrama.
It's a film to respect or admire from a distance, rather than like or, you know, actually enjoy.
Director John Crowley takes this whimsical film in some nice directions and gets plenty of value from his supporting cast of top senior talent.
The film unfolds with such a fine balance of charm, humour and heartache that it is impossible to resist.
a bittersweet film about life, death, and magic. It's also one of Michael Caine's best performances, and that's saying a great deal
It wants so badly to be meaningful, relevant and compassionate, but struggles even to keep our attention, never mind our hearts or minds. Not even Michael Caine's slowly sinking geriatric Clarence or affecting young Bill Milner can elevate the material.
Caine is flawless here, giving audiences one of his finest performances to date.
There are a lot of other sweet, tender moments in this film and it never felt maudlin in any way to me.
Is Anybody There? conjures up a winning concoction of laughs, tears and '80s nostalgia. Above all, it showcases the breadth of British acting talent.
A finely drawn and gentle British drama propelled by another of the star's unforgettable screen portraits.
At once predictable and implausible; so overplotted and overpopulated that the question isn't so much Is Anybody There? as "Why on earth are so many bodies here?"
This thoughtful, well-crafted, modest little film is a pleasing example of generational intersections and the wisdom that flows both directions.
Crowley is heading for a note of sympathy with this stuttering tale of universal heartache, but without needed substance and focus, there's nothing to emotionally devour.
With two direct and developed lead performances from Michael Caine and young Bill Milner, it seems unfair to watch their efforts wasted on an uneven, unsatisfying picture like the tear-jerker Is Anybody There?
There's a touch of magic at play here but it is of the understated variety, delivering a finale that is unexpectedly hopeful, moving and emotionally satisfying.
Working from a screenplay by Peter Harness, director John Crowley elicits strong performances and conjures a realistic atmosphere. But the story is predictable.
Unfortunately, nothing else in Is Anybody There? quite equals the main performances. There are nice moments throughout, but it meanders a bit. We learn a little about the other residents, but not enough to invest emotionally.
Whether by accident or design, Is Anybody There? shares its youthful lead and ‘80s setting with funny, inventive Son Of Rambow. It hasn’t emerged from its shadow.
Latest News for Is Anybody There?
April 16, 2009:
Critics Consensus: 17 Again Is Sweet And Poignant
This week at the movies, we've got a high school do-over (17 Again, starring Zac Efron and Leslie Mann), some journalistic thrills (State of Play, starring Russell Crowe and... More...
April 01, 2009:
Michael Caine Talks Batman 3 ![]()
Michael Caine is out promoting his latest feature, "Is Anybody There," but he's perfectly willing to share his thoughts on the next "Batman" sequel -- fortunately for Collider,... More...
March 22, 2009:
Click for trailer and preview ![]()
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