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Movies / On DVD / Is Anybody There?
Is Anybody There?

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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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Release:

Nov 17, 2009

[DVD Details]
 
 

DVD Features:

  • Region 1
  • Widescreen - 2.35

Audio:

  • Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo - English
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
  • Subtitles - Spanish
 
 
 
 

Reviews for Is Anybody There?

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1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating)
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Is Anybody There? proves that talent, not age, will ultimately define successful acting careers.

Full Review Source: FHM [UK] | comment Comment
05/01/09
FHM [UK]

Director John Crowley takes this whimsical film in some nice directions and gets plenty of value from his supporting cast of top senior talent.

Full Review Source: Scotsman | comment Comment
05/01/09
Alistair Harkness
Alistair Harkness
Scotsman

The film unfolds with such a fine balance of charm, humour and heartache that it is impossible to resist.

Full Review Source: Daily Express | comment Comment
05/01/09
Allan Hunter
Allan Hunter
Daily Express

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

Full Review Source: Killer Movie Reviews | comment Comment
05/09/09
Andrea Chase
Andrea Chase
Killer Movie Reviews

Caine is flawless here, giving audiences one of his finest performances to date.

Full Review Source: At the Movies | comment Comment
04/20/09
Ben Lyons
Ben Lyons
At the Movies

There are a lot of other sweet, tender moments in this film and it never felt maudlin in any way to me.

Full Review Source: At the Movies | comment Comment
04/20/09
Ben Mankiewicz
Ben Mankiewicz
At the Movies

Is Anybody There? conjures up a winning concoction of laughs, tears and '80s nostalgia. Above all, it showcases the breadth of British acting talent.

Full Review Source: Digital Spy | comment Comment
05/01/09
Ben Rawson-Jones
Ben Rawson-Jones
Digital Spy

A finely drawn and gentle British drama propelled by another of the star's unforgettable screen portraits.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
04/17/09
Betsy Sharkey
Betsy Sharkey
Los Angeles Times

This thoughtful, well-crafted, modest little film is a pleasing example of generational intersections and the wisdom that flows both directions.

Full Review Source: Christianity Today | comment Comment
04/24/09
Brandon Fibbs
Brandon Fibbs
Christianity Today

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.

Full Review Source: Toronto Star | comment Comment
05/15/09
Bruce Demara
Bruce Demara
Toronto Star

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.

comment Comment
05/01/09
Charles Gant
Charles Gant
Heat Magazine

For a movie about dying, Is Anybody There? is surprisingly sweet.

Full Review Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press | comment Comment
05/01/09
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)
St. Paul Pioneer Press

Is Anybody There? devolves into a predictable yarn about a boy and a grandfatherly figure - but adding Michael Caine to the mix means it's still worth your while.

Full Review Source: What Would Toto Watch? | comment Comment
11/16/09
Christian Toto
Christian Toto
What Would Toto Watch?

Equal parts sweet and sour, "Is There Anybody There?" is a thoughtful little chamber piece with just the right amount of laugh-out-loud humor.

Full Review Source: ColeSmithey.com | comment Comment
03/26/09
Cole Smithey
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com

The story flirts with sticky sentimentality but never quite falls into the trap, thanks to Caine's masterful presence.

Full Review Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune | comment Comment
05/01/09
Colin Covert
Colin Covert
Minneapolis Star Tribune

This well crafted film is given resonance and purpose with layers and layers of detail that make the bittersweet climax all the more heartwarming.

Full Review Source: FILMINK (Australia) | comment Comment
06/05/09
Colin Fraser
Colin Fraser
FILMINK (Australia)

Caine and Milner go together like peas in a pod. Or, better yet, like bangers and mash. They're an odd couple, but they face life as one and it's a rewarding journey.

Full Review Source: Courier Mail (Australia) | comment Comment
06/01/09
Colin Newton
Colin Newton
Courier Mail (Australia)

You don't need a Ouija board to suss out where all this is heading, but Is Anybody There? counteracts its deficiencies -- predictability, sentimentality -- with a healthy dose of dark humor.

Full Review Source: Miami Herald | comment Comment
04/30/09
Connie Ogle
Connie Ogle
Miami Herald

Like a good number of films, 'Is Anybody There?' is saved from being a routine offering by the presence of Sir Michael Caine.

Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com | comment Comment
06/07/09
Dan Lybarger
Dan Lybarger
eFilmCritic.com

The tender rapport between this film’s two leads, 76-year-old Michael Caine and 14-year-old Bill Milner, is reason enough to see this sweet-natured British indie that explores the not-very-sexy topics of death and ageing.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
05/01/09
Dave Calhoun
Dave Calhoun
Time Out
 
 
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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 Opens in new window
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 Opens in new window
More...

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