The rude and real joy is Caine’s performance.
Is Anybody There? (2009)
Tomatometer
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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?
Caine leads an impeccable cast in a story that is as touching as it is funny, turning the mundane minutiae of fading lives into a vibrant display.
Caine moves through the less-than-surprising story line, shaking things up not with an actorly flamboyance but with a heartbreaking sense of quiet tragedy and regret.
Is Anybody There? has so many good intentions and engaging moments it is hard to define why it doesn’t quite add up.
An intelligently-written, smartly-handled study of laughter in the dark.
The film unfolds with such a fine balance of charm, humour and heartache that it is impossible to resist.
Peter Harness’s screenplay does not manage the desired subtlety and descends now and then into pawkiness and sentimentality — and Crowley’s direction is never quite sophisticated enough either.
Is Anybody There? proves that talent, not age, will ultimately define successful acting careers.
Thanks to the superb turns from Michael and young Bill, plus a witty, well-observed script, this is a real slow burner of a film-incredibly moving but brightened by some top comic moments.
Director John Crowley takes this whimsical film in some nice directions and gets plenty of value from his supporting cast of top senior talent.
These two lonely guys are clearly move-made for each other, but this film allows them to be more complicated and less cuddly than the usual feel-good comfort movie.
Caine is magnificent, and the film is worth a look for his contribution alone.
Despite all the rough edges and predictable touches, the film becomes quite moving in its final act.
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.
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.
To answer the question put forth by the title of Is Anybody There?: Michael Caine is there, single-handedly lifting a soggy bit of coming-of-age whimsy into the category of the watchable.
I can't really recommend the film, unless you admire Caine as much as I do.
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 ![]()
More...
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