Phenomenon

"This is just a great movie. "

"This is a lovely, poignant and in many ways unforgettable small film about a slow but sweet man who becomes a genius overnight. "

"+ PHENOMENON is one of those kind-hearted, down to earth movies that bets everything on the basic goodness of its characters. It delves into subjects like the pandemic of psychological fear that rises in the human mind when simple people come into contact with what they don't understand, but it doesn't double down on their cynicism. It feels akin to the two Frank Capra movies I have seen (MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON and IT'S A BEAUTIFUL WORLD) in the sense that it takes the complexities of human minds and puts them in touch with their hearts. The plot itself isn't very complicated and perhaps nothing new comes through here, but the central idea of an ordinary guy who is struck by a light in the sky and becomes ten times more intelligent is done very well. I happen to be a sucker for movies like this, so maybe I'm a bit biased, but it seems like every time I see this movie I walk away feeling joyous with a smile on my face, and sometimes I will take that over more intricate stories that play with the form a bit more. The four key performances of John Travolta, Forest Whitaker, Kyra Sedgwick, and Robert Duvall are all simple and wonderful. This movie is like an old friend you see every once in a while and just hang out with. Sweet film. - If there is one thing I have to point out it's the score. For the most part it is wonderful and helps to add character to the overall fable, but there are times when no music would have helped to put myself in the characters shoes emotionally. The characters and story are done so well that I don't need to be cued in on when I'm supposed to feel something. It sort of keeps the movie on the screen at times instead of living in me in key moments towards the end. Not too much, but sometimes more is less."

"Amazing movie!!!!"

"Very touching, emotional, heartbreaking movie. "

"Good movie very touching "