Do you want to see ‘Phenomenon’?

Phenomenon (1996)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 5.9/10
Reviews Counted: 33
Fresh: 17 | Rotten: 16

No consensus yet.

Average Rating: 5.5/10
Critic Reviews: 6
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 5

No consensus yet.

audience

liked it
Average Rating: 3/5
User Ratings: 93,291

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Movie Info

Director Jon Turteltaub followed up the hit While You Were Sleeping (1995) with this fantasy similar to Charly (1968) and a film from the previous year, Powder (1994). John Travolta stars as George Malley, a humble mechanic in a rural California town. On his 37th birthday, George celebrates at a pub with friends Nate (Forest Whitaker) and Doc (Robert Duvall), the local physician. When he steps outside, George observes a bright light in the sky that knocks him briefly unconscious. When he

PG, 2 hr. 4 min.

Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: Jon Turteltaub , Brent Spiner

In Theaters: Jul 5, 1996 Wide

On DVD: Jan 15, 2002

Cast

John Travolta
George Malley
Kyra Sedgwick
Lace Pennamin
Forest Whitaker
Nate Pope
Jeffrey DeMunn
Professor Ringold
Robert Duvall
Doc
Richard Kiley
Dr. Wellin
James Anthony Cotton
Cal
Cab Covay
Taunting Man at Library...
Troy Evans
Roger
Tom Fridley
Agent
Ellen Geer
Bonnie
Tony Genaro
Tito
James Keane
Pete
Susan Merson
Marge
Michael Milhoan
Jimmy
Sean O'Bryan
Banes
Carl Parker
Man in Orchard
Vyto Ruginis
Ted Rhome
Mark Soper
Reporter
Brent Spiner
Dr. Niedorf
Bruce Young
Jack Hatch
David Gallagher
Al
Richard Gross
Customer at Malley's
Daniel Zacapa
Beth Kennedy
Celia
Eric Tignini
Agent
Ashley Buccille
Glory
Jewel Benedict
May
Betsy Berryhill
Woman at Bar
Sage Callaway
Female Officer
Mariann V. Carothers
Furniture Store Owner
Jack Chouchanian
Technician 1
Claudia Crespin
Woman in Crowd
Justin Dipego
Intense Man at Library ...
Michael Forner
Man at Bar
Anni Long
Major Benz
Tony A. Mattos
Ella's Father
Joseph A. Nicosia
Man at Bar
Elisabeth Nunziato
Ella
Dan Partain
Man at Bar
Will Prater
Helicopter Pilot
Isaac Reiswig
Man in Crowd
Mark Valim
Alberto

Critic Reviews for Phenomenon

All Critics (47) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (17) | Rotten (16) | DVD (3)

Works best if you can switch off your brain. Those who can will reach weepy nirvana. Those who can't will find this sticky-sweet wallow a bit, well, dumb.

January 1, 2000 Comment

Susan Wloszczyna

USA Today

Top Critic

Gentle tearjerker about sudden mental superpowers.

December 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media

| Comment

Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

Flawed story, but compelling story does hook one.

October 16, 2004 Comment

Steve Crum

Kansas City Kansan Source: Kansas City Kansan

Pretty lame Scientology type stuff.

July 21, 2004 Comments (2)

Alex Sandell

Juicy Cerebellum

Bittersweet.

July 26, 2003 Comment

Nell Minow

Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

Touching supernatural thriller that works thanks to compelling performances from its stars.

May 2, 2003 Comment

Forrest Hartman

Reno Gazette-Journal Source: Reno Gazette-Journal

New Age crap

March 7, 2003 Comment

Mike McGranaghan

Aisle Seat

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Phenomenon

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There are a few movies out there where something out-of-the-ordinary causes the hero to become a genius. It always seems to be a temporary phenomenon. This movie is no exception to the rule. I did not mind it - somehow it is a satisfying movie - perhaps the wish that one can solve all the world's ills.

June 10, 2011

Red Lats

Super Reviewer

Sad and depressing, but hadmany heartwarming scenes. But really? Tumor superpowers.

February 27, 2011

Brad Wright

Super Reviewer

Phenomenon Quotes

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1. George Malley: I'm what everyone can be. Anyone can get here. I'm the possibility. What I'm talking about is the human spirit. That's the challenge. That's the voyage. That's the expedition.
– Submitted by Akil H (7 months ago)
1. George Malley: Will you love me for the rest of my life?
2. Lace Pennamin: No, I 'll love you for the rest of mine.
– Submitted by Akil H (7 months ago)

Submit a Quote from 'Phenomenon'

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Luke: Alright. I'll give it a try.
Yoda: No. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.