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Phenomenon

Play trailer Poster for Phenomenon PG 1996 2h 4m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
47% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 59% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
On his birthday, mechanic George Malley (John Travolta) sees a flash of light and proceeds to exhibit extraordinary mental abilities. He becomes a genius, even showing an ability to move objects with his mind. George wishes to help people, but the government wants to take him in for observation. Soon, George finds out from Dr. Brunder (Robert Duvall) that he has a massive brain tumor. With this new knowledge, George decides to spend his time with girlfriend Lace (Kyra Sedgwick).

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Phenomenon

Critics Reviews

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Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader 06/14/2022
Moribund, dopey stuff. Go to Full Review
Carol Buckland CNN.com 01/05/2018
Travolta is terrific! And in a movie season dominated by brainless action flicks and big explosions, Phenomenon is something magically different. Go to Full Review
Anne Billson Daily Telegraph (UK) 11/22/2017
This so-so Capra-esque fable with undertones of L. Ron Hubbard takes a turn for the worse after the first hour. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 8
2/4
For a movie that's ostensibly about intelligence, Phenomenon proves to be rather simple-minded. Go to Full Review
Charles Cassady Common Sense Media 12/15/2010
3/5
Gentle tearjerker about sudden mental superpowers. Go to Full Review
Chuck O'Leary Fantastica Daily 10/21/2005
2/5
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Audience Reviews

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Megan Y @RT61624834 1d In spite of the description of the movie on this site spoiling a huge plot point that you don't even find out about until near the end, I got lucky and the drop down box wouldn't load so I took the leap to watch it for the first time without reading the entire thing. I grew up hearing about it, I always wanted to see it, it lived up to my expectations of a typical, cliche 90s movie that rushes in some spots and drags it's feet in others. John Travolta was perfect for the part, Kyra Sedgwick makes everything better. Some of the lines are as corny as it gets and yes, it's predictable, but it's still very wholesome and light-hearted. If you're in the mood for a movie to make you feel nostalgic and just something you can watch to kill the time, this is it. See more Ela B @RT69875946 Apr 23 I have watched this movie over and over again. I love all the characters, the music, the scenery, the sets, the humor, the sentiment, the themes, the love expressed, the chemistry among characters, and the reminder that we what we share with others lives on and on even after we move on. I look forward to watching it again soon. See more Cath G @cgibbins Mar 14 I have just watched this I really enjoyed it well written, acted and directed. Well done all. See more Bill M @Bilbo556 Mar 13 It seems that those who don't love this kind of movie either have no heart, or no soul. I've seen reviews that completely miss the point here. It's about love. It's about giving. It's about understanding. I think this is Travolta at his best. Well cast. Well directed. This story is about life's adventures and discoveries. It's about leaving something worthwhile behind when you leave this life. To watch this movie, you must open your heart, mind, and soul. Let it in. See more Ken K @Kenny1961 Feb 16 Interesting plot with a great cast. Loved it. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Feb 13 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom. See more Read all reviews
Phenomenon

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Movie Info

Synopsis On his birthday, mechanic George Malley (John Travolta) sees a flash of light and proceeds to exhibit extraordinary mental abilities. He becomes a genius, even showing an ability to move objects with his mind. George wishes to help people, but the government wants to take him in for observation. Soon, George finds out from Dr. Brunder (Robert Duvall) that he has a massive brain tumor. With this new knowledge, George decides to spend his time with girlfriend Lace (Kyra Sedgwick).
Director
Jon Turteltaub
Producer
Michael Taylor, Barbara Boyle
Screenwriter
Gerald Di Pego
Distributor
Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Touchstone Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 3, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$104.6M
Runtime
2h 4m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo