Phenomenon

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Phenomenon

PG

Released Jul 3, 1996

2h 4m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

49%

Tomatometer

37 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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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Moribund, dopey stuff.

Jun 14, 2022

Full Review

Carol Buckland

CNN.com

Travolta is terrific! And in a movie season dominated by brainless action flicks and big explosions, Phenomenon is something magically different.

Jan 5, 2018

Full Review

Anne Billson

Daily Telegraph (UK)

This so-so Capra-esque fable with undertones of L. Ron Hubbard takes a turn for the worse after the first hour.

Nov 22, 2017

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Matt Brunson

Creative Loafing

For a movie that's ostensibly about intelligence, Phenomenon proves to be rather simple-minded.

Rated: 2/4

Jul 13, 2012

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Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

Gentle tearjerker about sudden mental superpowers.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 15, 2010

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Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 2/5

Oct 21, 2005

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Jim P

It's not great but it's a sci-fi rom-com with an interesting story. What's not to like?!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/25

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Jelisije J

John Travolta gives one of his best work as a man who on his birthday after seeing a bright light in the sky starts to get smarter, move things with his mind, and becomes a subject of controversy of the community he lives in. Was it aliens or an angel that gave him powers all he knows he will do whats right by his fellow man and win a women's heart at the end of the day.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/28/24

Full Review

Jerod S

Alright - maybe its super cheese, but it's a decent family film that explores the supernatural, aliens, friendship, cancer and death.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/23/24

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John e

A sweet and cute movie with an interesting play and a lot of heart, not sure why the critics are down on it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/20/24

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Carole M

My favorite movie of all time. Everything is energy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/24

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Gary L

Charming movie. Great story. Very underrated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/23/24

Full Review

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Jon Turteltaub

Director

John Travolta

George Malley

Kyra Sedgwick

Lace Pennamin

Forest Whitaker

Nate Pope

Jeffrey DeMunn

Prof. John Ringold, Seismologist

Robert Duvall

Doc Brunder

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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

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