"Phenomenon" is about a small town auto mechanic (Travolta) who experiences something he can only describe as being "light" and suddenly has peculiar powers such as being able to learn to speak Portuguese in 20 minutes or understanding Dianetics. At issue is, will these powers, which make him the object of fear and awe by the townsfolk, help of hurt his chances with his reluctant love interest (Sedgwick). An pleasant little folksy, Mayberry RFDish flick, "Phenomenon" sticks to the people story and doesn't go off into sci-fi-land as it conjures up the warm and fuzzies, takes a romantic turn with the best haircut & shave since "Wrestling Ernest Hemingway", and tries hard to deliver a message about what's important in life. Yes, the film gets a little sugary sweet but...okay, it gets a lot sugary sweet...but, if you go with it and don't fight it you'll be assured of a pleasant three star watch. Good stuff for sentimentalists. (B)
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=G=16 September 2003
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marcelopietrovich26 February 2023"Phenomenon" is a poignant and moving drama that showcases John Travolta's immense talent. His portrayal of George Malley, a man who gains superhuman abilities, is captivating and heartfelt. The film explores themes of humanity, love, and the power of the mind in a way that is both thought-provoking and touching.
Director Jon Turteltaub expertly balances the supernatural elements of the story with the grounded, human drama, creating a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The supporting cast, including Kyra Sedgwick and Forest Whitaker, also deliver strong performances that complement Travolta's work.
Overall, "Phenomenon" is a powerful and unforgettable film that showcases the best of both science fiction and drama. It's a must-watch for fans of Travolta and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking, character-driven stories that explore the depths of the human experience. -
ed_two_o_nine26 November 2009Well I approached this movie with trepidation thinking this was going to be some pseudo babble about higher powers and higher beings. Instead I was pleasantly surprised without being blown away. Basically this is the story of George Malley (Travaolta) a small town mechanic who though an unexplainable phenomenon becomes able to function of a higher level, gaining the ability to process information like no other human being. This plays out affecting all his relationships and drawing attention from the wider world. There is lots to like here and Travolta is earnest enough, and maybe this is just me but I really struggle to accept him as a small town mechanic he is just not every day enough for me to carry of these sort of roles. But on the plus point he is supported by the ever wonderful Robert Duvall and Forrest Whittaker and his best friends. This has a good message at its core without being spectacular at anything. Would I watch it again. On a rainy day yes and preferably with my wife.
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tfrizzell23 June 2004An ordinary small-town man (John Travolta) sees a flash of light in the sky one night and then starts to experience super-intelligence and telekinesis. Soon he is changing everyone's life for the better (most notably love interest Kyra Sedgwick, town doctor Robert Duvall and best friend Forest Whitaker). Slyly funny and innovative at first and then impressively dramatic and thought-provoking, "Phenomenon" is an effective picture that comes through because of good performances across the board and smart screen-writing. Travolta and Duvall are excellent together and they share the spotlight in the venture. Under-rated production that should be given a try. It is one of those films that will cause your emotions to come shining through. 4 stars out of 5.
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michaeltrivedi10 September 2020Now John Travolta is one weird guy. Though I like his movies, and I like his characters. They are all so different than himself.
Here is a good one and an old one. A guy gets hit by an alien force, and becomes a genius with the power to move things with his mind.
It was very good actually. Not Oscar worthy or great or anything. Just a good movie worth watching. It's really got everything, and is a good time for the whole family.
Highly recommend
7 stars -
Stars an ordinary man living in a small town , a simple Iowa car mechanic called George Malley . After celebrating a local party on his 37th birthday with friends at the bar/hang-out , George heads for home finds himself knocked out by a white light in the sky , he pauses to watch a strange light and then collapses suddenly coming into possession of remarkable powers that enable him to move objects without touching them , predict earthquakes and learn new languages in a matter of minutes . Some things in life just can't be explained ! .
John Travolta lands a plum character in this enjoyable and potentially intriguing drama , but even his down-to-earth charm can't keep sentimentality at bay . Resulting to be a charming and sentimental movie but turns too paranoid , at times . There's the subsequent harassing when the development of these superpowers bring him to the attention of the scientific community and , of course , the military ; while the locals scorn him , thus fulfilling the Hollywood stereotype of rural townfolks fearing anything they don't understand . It starts well , a bit like a Frank Capra fantasy , but there's a dark shock ahead and you'll end up feeling not only cheated of a good mystery but also wishing you'd bought more tissues . John Travolta gives a moving and sympathetic acting playing George Malley, who owns the local auto repair shop in a small California town when sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis . As Travolta gets to be the nice guy , while attractive Kyra Segdwick is splendid as romantic interest Lace . They're stunningly accompanied by a familiar support cast , such as : Forest Whitaker , Robert Duvall , Jeffrey DeMunn , Richard Kiley , David Gallagher , Tony Genaro and Bruce A Young .
Displaying a rousing , stirring musical score by composer Thomas Newman. As well as colorful , brilliant cinematography by cameraman Phedon Papamichael . The flick was decent and professionally directed by Jon Turteltaub . Jon is a fine craftsman , a producer and director who has got some successes , such as : Megalodon (2018) , Last Vegas (2013) , The Kid (2000) , Phenomenon (1996), Cool runnings (1993) , While you were sleeping (1995) . And collaborated with notorious producer Jerry Bruckheimer in three hits , such as : ¨The Sorcerer's Apprentice¨, ¨National treasure¨ and ¨National treasure : Book of secrets¨ . Rating : 6.5/10 . Better than average . Well worth seeing . Essential and indispensable watching for John Travolta fans. -
CitizenCaine19 August 2003It would be interesting to see this movie with Powder, another movie I recently reviewed. They are both about similar characters that are the victims of intolerance, suspicion, and abuse in one form or another. John Travolta is excellent as George, a garage mechanic that suddenly has an increased appetite for knowledge. Put yourself amidst intellectually inferior people and you will see for yourself how George is treated. People are very quick to accuse, get angry, and be jealous in real life, just as they were in this movie. Robert Duvall and Forest Whitaker lend good support as the only two faithful friends he has. Kyra Sedgwick is your typical small minded (going nowhere) girl you'd find in Anytown, USA. I had a huge problem with her abusive mistreatment of George and George's tolerance of her obnoxiousness. She was a huge turn-off. Somehow her sweetness is drawn out by the new George. The kids are appropriately of the cute TV variety. The ending is marred by a soapy climax and conclusion, and I gather that most people didn't expect it to go in the direction it did. There are some good plot threads and the final scene is poignant; I just wish it could have gotten there in a different manner. **1/2 of 4 stars.
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Hitchcoc11 May 1999I don't consider "Phenomenon" a great movie. I also don't see it as a "feel good" movie. The message it gives us is that when we have a treasure in our midst, the first thing we do is try to ridicule, diminish, or destroy. This may sound cynical, but as one who has worked with gifted children, I've seen the name-calling and taunting. When George gets his "gift," he becomes like a small child--gathering knowledge--absorbing the implications of his power. He should have read some history, however, because he would have better understood the way he was being treated. At least he wasn't burned at the stake. The circus comes to town and he is the freak--even being granted healing powers--something he has never claimed to have. While very touching it disappoints, becoming even a bit clichéd (we've been down this road with Cliff Robertson's "Charly"). The writers needed to go deeper into their "what if" banks and ask themselves more about the implications of George's being. Still, Travolta's performance is sensitive and touching, showing why he has become one of our best actors.
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a16a16k12 March 2000This movie doesn't get the credit that it deserves. Travolta's speech at the end of the movie to the doctor is incredible. Rarely do I ever see a movie that acknowledges the value of a single human life like this movie does. Most movies glorify sacrifice. This movie glorifies life. I highly recommend it.
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PudgyPandaMan17 January 2009This movie has something we can all relate to - relationships... in our community, to our neighbors, our friends, our loves.
This movie has a comfortable feel to it - like an old pair of jeans. There is the small town setting where everyone knows everyone. They did a great job casting and you truly believe these people have known each other their whole lives.
There are some memorable scenes here - one of my favorites being when she cuts his hair and shaves his face in his kitchen. Its a very romantic and sensual scene without having to be explicit. They don't even kiss. Its just the nearness of each other and how tender she is with him. Very sweet moment. You can see her defenses start to melt and let herself feel something for him. It was filmed beautifully with nice close-ups.
I also like the scene where he is working frantically in the garden and suddenly stops and starts listening to and watching the wind in the trees. Then he starts swaying in tune with the trees.
I think this is one of Travolta's best performances as he helps us get to know and understand George Malley. His interpretation of the character is crystal clear and brilliantly done. He has an underlying sweetness and enthusiasm that works well for this character. I liked Sedgewick okay - but I think Travolta outshines her here. Duvall also does a great job as Doc.
There are a lot of good messages here about living our life to the fullest and reaching our potential. I liked the analogy of "buying her chairs" and how to find out what your love is "into". The film is about change, acceptance and love. And that people don't like the unexpected but would prefer to live the same predictable lives. I really enjoyed this film and think you will too.
I think the story was well written and has you guessing at what has really happened to George - was it aliens, some physical phenomenon, or a medical condition. -
wikipediacabal18 April 2011This is the best Scientology feature film I have seen. Much better than Battlefield Earth (Travolta and Whitaker again, hmm). Not as funny as Tom Cruise addressing his fellow Church Of Scientology initiates.
It's subtle but evident if you know the messages the CoS wants to put out there. George is what the CoS would call a "clear," right down to the telekinesis. A couple of his speeches include lines that echo CoS language. (to Doc) "Lately I've been seeing things so clearly, you know?" (to the evil doctor) "What I'm talking about is the human spirit. That's the challenge. That's the voyage." L Ron Hubbard loved to go on about the human spirit and freeing it, through his program of large donations.
There's the extraterrestrial factor, although this script leaves it to the viewer to decide whether aliens are the real explanation for George's powers. There's the demonization of psychiatric medicine and the US government. There's the one-dimensional goodness of the hero characters, nice and simple like in L Ron's pulp stories.
I'm happy the CoS can't get away with stuff like this as much now, due to greater public awareness of their efforts. I wonder if it's true that they use Travolta's closeted homosexuality to compel him to do their projects. -
This movie shows John Travolta at his best. I think his performance here should have been nominated for an Oscar. What a lovely, powerful film. It's a paean to all the geeks in the world. George is clearly beloved by his fellow residents, but after he sees THE LIGHT, he becomes a misfit because of the changes in him. Those changes mean he becomes an insider, a stranger in a strange land. He becomes even more precious than he had been in the first 11 minutes of the film. He is at once bewildered and amazed at the changes in him. He is fascinated by every aspect of the world, and the viewer goes willingly on the journey with him. I have probably seen this movie ten times since its release in 1996. I will always regard this film as my favorite John Travolta movie and my favorite Kyra Sedgwick movie.
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bheadher26 September 2018Phenomenon wasn't a particularly memorable movie when it came out, and it isn't a memorable movie now on Netflix...
But it is still a pretty good movie to while away a couple hours munching popcorn, heh heh...the pacing of the story itself is slow, meandering through one man's tortured experience with an otherworldly encounter with a strange light in the sky one night...
Travolta does a decent job portraying a laid back, average, everyday rural guy, dealing with strange mental powers that develop after the encounter...not to mention the effects it has on the entire small town he lives in..."George's" friends stick by him through much of the movie, but become frightened by the powers...
All in all, a decent and entertaining flick... -
view_and_review20 September 2020Powder was a young man who had a physical malady which made him hated and feared. He had immeasurable intelligence and magnetic powers. The government/law was after him to give him a permanent home though he tried his best to evade the law. He was so good and pure that he wasn't meant for this world, so he chose to die, but not before kissing a girl.
George Malley (John Travolta) is an adult less puerile version of Powder. As we found out, he also had a physical ailment which caused people to fear and hate him. The people couldn't see the physical malady (his brain tumor), but they saw the results of it in George's immeasurable intelligence and telekinetic abilities. The FBI was after him because his knowledge made him dangerous, though he tried his best to evade the law. He was so good and intelligent that he wasn't meant for this world, so he chose to die, but not before making love to the woman he was pursuing.
I wanted to like "Phenomenon" because it was a less didactic, less idealistic, more adult version of "Powder," but I couldn't help but see the movie "Powder" when watching it. -
daghda_jim8 October 2003I think any movie that can be described as both (a) a Scientology recruiting pamphlet, and (b) an analogy to Jesus' life has to be a bit out of the ordinary. In some ways, this film reminds me of another seeming science fiction movie that really turned out to be about people's response to the unusual: `Charly' In both films an extraordinary increase in intelligence frightened the people around the main character; they just couldn't deal with it and feared him for it. The love story was a gem. Lacy had obviously been badly hurt by a past relationship, and simply didn't want to encourage George's love. But when he began to be hurt by the way some of his friends treated him, she warmed and opened her heart to him. The way George tried to describe how he looked at things differently and saw relationships that he'd never seen before reminded me of classical descriptions of the act of creativity in many fields. And it's a sad thing but true that we are all capable of concentrating harder and focusing on things to achieve more, but it's very difficult, and more often than not, we tend to take the easier road. Good thought-provoking flick.
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Wuchakk4 March 2013John Travolta's "Phenomenon" from 1996 is similar to "Powder", which came out some eight months earlier. Both films are about a gifted individual with unusual powers and the reactions of those around him. "Phenomenon" differs from "Powder" in that it's about a regular guy (Travolta) who suddenly gains amazing abilities, rather than an outcast who already has them.
The other characters include a woman whom he wants to date (Kyra Sedgwick), his best friend (Forest Whitaker), his doctor (Robert Duvall), a marveling professor and miscellaneous townsfolk & government agents. The story takes place in a small town in Northern California (shot in Auburn, CA).
This is an interesting "What if?" story. What would happen if an average Joe suddenly attained genius and telekinesis? The film explores the untapped power of the mind and spirit. What great things would we be able to do if we were able to tap into this vast reservoir of potential! The ordinary person might likely respond with skepticism, but the story is based on numerous real-life examples, albeit perhaps not as pronounced as Travolta's character.
I've had my own run-ins with such things. For instance, about five years ago I was in bed having an intense dream when my wife burst into the room to wake me up. The smoke alarm outside the door was blaring like crazy, but there was no smoke or fire (or heat). The intense energy evoked by my dream obviously set it off because, as soon as I woke, it suddenly stopped. If there was any doubt, the same thing happened the next week. What can explain this except the untapped power of the mind and focused energy?
Another example comes to mind, albeit different: when I was around 8 years old my family and I were walking the trails of Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis when we came to the edge of a baseball field. As soon as we entered the outfield somehow I just knew that the current batter was going to hit the ball and it was going to hit me right in the face. I knew this but I didn't know how I knew it. I just knew. Next thing you know the batter hits the ball high into the air -- it was like slow motion -- and it came and hit me right on the cheek! (Good thing it was a softball, huh?). How did I KNOW this was going to happen? I don't know, but it's pretty amazing and it shows the power of the mind and spirit to warn us, which some call intuition.
It goes without saying that "Phenomenon" is worthwhile just for effectively exploring such amazing things and provoking thought.
Travolta's character is somewhat of a type of Christ in the story, which makes the ending a bit unsatisfying. I don't want to say too much (no spoilers), but the question arises: If he possesses the genius and power to do all that he does in the film, why couldn't he use these powers to deal with a certain situation at the end? To me, the writers and filmmakers took the easy way out by giving us a "realistic" ending. In short, they played it safe.
Still, this is a good movie if you like dramas and the subject matter piques your interest.
The film runs 123 minutes.
GRADE: B -
ccthemovieman-15 April 2007This was an interesting tale of a man who subtly gets intelligence (through a reverse brain tumor) and how his small-town friends react and handle the situation. There are some good comments in here about the times we live in. This would be better without six usages of the Lord's name in vain but basically, the language is pretty tame for a modern-day movie.
This was a simple, low-key story, definitely worth a rental. Kyra Sedgewick doesn't make for an appealing female lead but you don't always have to have drop-dead gorgeous women play leads.
I had heard this had a very sad ending, but I did not find that. A decent movie overall, just not that memorable. -
SnoopyStyle18 April 2015George Malley (John Travolta) is the nice owner of the local auto repair shop. Everybody likes him and there's a party at the local bar for his birthday. He likes Lace Pennamin (Kyra Sedgwick) but she resists complicating her kids' lives. As he leaves the party, he is struck down by a bright light. He slowly finds his mind expanding and develops telekinetic abilities. Nobody really believes him at first. He is supported by friends Nate Pope (Forest Whitaker), Tito and Doc Brunder (Robert Duvall). He predicts an earthquake. Prof. John Ringold (Jeffrey DeMunn) is a seismologist who comes to investigate. The townfolks turn from bemusement to bewilderment to suspicion. Nate has been sending radio messages for George who deciphered a top secret code and the FBI arrests them.
The insistence to keep a light upbeat tone keeps the inherit tension very low for the first half. I like the story but director Jon Turteltaub keeps it from being taken serious. I like the love story and the overall story. I don't find the light tone that compelling. This is basically a superhero origin story and I'm all for it. The locals are too idiotic and too simplistic. It's too easy. Also the FBI threatening the professor is a bit too easy. It's more in line with a simple comic book. I just wish it treated this imaginary world more seriously and with more subtlety. -
lee_eisenberg24 August 2006A previous reviewer noted an aspect of "Phenomenon" that I probably should have realized earlier: it seems to be a Scientologist idea, maybe even an adaptation of Jesus's life. If so, then that weakens the movie. But if not, then the movie's pretty interesting. I really liked the scene where the guy interviews George Malley (John Travolta) and George goes beyond impressing him. I personally think that they could have ended the movie a little differently, but otherwise, it was an interesting look at life. Also starring Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall, Jeffrey DeMunn and Brent Spiner.
I would have liked to have learnt more Portuguese than the movie identified. -
callanvass28 April 2006This is an excellent film, that's actually quite moving and very sentimental, with a pretty engrossing story, John Travolta is at his best here!. All the characters are awesome, and the ending while very sad was extremely well done, plus John Travolta is simply incredible in this!. I know a lot of people claimed that this was too sentimental, but I love sentimental so it didn't bother me, and this is one of Travolta's best performances in my opinion, plus it's extremely well made and very well written as well. Kyra Sedgwick is really excellent in her role here, and I thought it had a nice romantic story too, plus I loved all of the telekinetic scenes that Travolta did as well. I loved how they paid tribute at the end to George Malley, and I felt bad for Travolta's character when he was trying to explain stuff at the book fare, plus Travolta and Sedgwick had really good chemistry together. This should be a lot higher then 6.3 in my opinion, and I didn't see the big twist in this coming at all, plus I especially loved Forest Whitaker's character. This is an excellent film, that's actually quite moving and very sentimental, with a pretty engrossing story, John Travolta is at his best here, and I say it's a must see for everyone!. The Direction is excellent!. Jon Turteltaub does an excellent! job here with wonderful camera work, using a great setting, and just keeping the film at an engrossing pace. The Acting is outstanding!. John Travolta is amazing as always and is incredible here, he is just extremely likable, gives one of his best performances, had a character we can care for, had really good chemistry with Kyra Segwick, brought his usual awesome charisma, and was especially good near the end, as I felt so bad for him. Kyra Sedgwick is really excellent here, she was cute, extremely likable, had a winning presence, and I just couldn't help but love her, unlike others I thought she was perfect for this part!. Forest Whitaker is awesome as George's best friend he had good chemistry with Travolta, was funny and brought lots of life into the film, I loved him. Robert Duvall is wonderful as always and does awesome as The Doc, he didn't have a whole lot of screen time, but was fantastic when he was on screen!. David Gallagher and Ashley Buccille are both awesome as the kids, and were very likable. Rest of the cast are fine. Overall a must see for everyone!. ****1/2 out of 5
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helpless_dancer1 February 2001Enjoyable film with Travolta playing the part of a man with some very odd goings on in his life. This picture said a lot about human nature's down side as the townspeople and the always paranoid government begin mistrusting and harassing a man who has done absolutely nothing wrong. Fortunately, there was definite plus side to the movie; well worth seeing.
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moonspinner5529 March 2008On the night of his birthday, a mechanic from an idyllic farming community sees a bright light in the skies; it appears to fire something into him, knocking him off his feet, and by the next minute he has an extraordinarily clear head (nothing is made of the connection between the supernatural occurrence and the character's birthday--that's just a ruse to get him outside at night!). Soon, he's speaking fluent Spanish, reading three books a day, unscrambling Morse Code, building rocking chairs and beating the local doctor at chess! Despite an innate charm and his actorly commitment to the role, nothing about John Travolta suggests a rural simpleton. When he's slopping the pigs or working furiously underneath cars at the garage, Travolta looks as out of place as, well, Robert Duvall as the small town medico addicted to chess. Much of the hero's progress is done up in happy montages to pop songs ("Every day is a winding road"), while he attempts to woo a sassy single mom using auto innuendo (!). After he alienates just about everyone in town, we're meant to see that maybe he was better off not having a genius brain (alas, these yokels are too 'simple' to understand). A condescending feel-good concoction that is determined to manage all of our responses. Once the FBI is called in, smart-thinking viewers will use their brains and jump ship. Is there anything not fabricated about "Phenomenon"? *1/2 from ****
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jhazelett726 September 2001An ex-girlfriend talked me into seeing this movie, and I am happy she did. In my opinion, John Travolta deserved at least a nomination for an Oscar here, if not the award itself. The story was decent, but the performances of Travolta, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall, and Kyra Sedgwick made me care about what was happening on the screen. By no means is this a romantic comedy. It's romantic, probably the most romantic film I have seen in a long time. The reason for that is simple...it's real. In most movies you see the main characters sleep together within a day at the most, which rarely happens with two people who are really in love. True love has to take time and effort, which is exactly what you see here. Travolta's George is patient, but not because he wants to be. If you're a romantic at heart you will understand and relate to him, and you will hope for his success as you would for your own. Without giving anything away, I will tell you that the ending is sad, but also heartwarming. George has his "experience" for no other reason than to suggest what we as humans can become. Phenomenon is a story about our potential, the good and bad things that can happen to us if we achieve it. We could only be so lucky, and watching the movie is a good start. I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
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johncusacksback25 July 2003**1/2 out of ****
This is a fine vehicle for John Travolta and he makes the most of it, but there is not much else happening here. The movie has a good premise and the filmmakers let us know it by stretching its limits in every single way. It has a nice small town charm to it and the characters are extremely likeable, but the story too often steers in the wrong direction and becomes too large scale. The performances are the main reason to watch this one. -
rmax3048233 January 2014Many people seem to feel this is a movie about John Travolta's philosophical belief system, Scientology or Dianetics or whatever it is, but, if so, it all got past me because I don't know what either of them is.
To me, it seemed like a contrived, commercially oriented, and successful feel-good story about an ordinary auto mechanic in a small California town who sees a flash of light one night, turns into a paranormal wizard, and then dies happy in the arms of the true love he's been courting but who has been keeping him at arms' length.
I kept trying to identify its sources, aside from "The Twilight Zone," which we can take for granted -- especially the episode called "Mr. Dingle, The Strong." Let's see. The general idea is lifted from "Field of Dreams," only this is episodic instead of linear and lacks the happy climactic bonding of son and deceased father. I mean, each of the protagonists has a weird experience alone in a farming community, after which he becomes obsessed and hypomanic, and the local Sons of the Soil regard him as nuts. Then, in the odd ball villagers, there is a touch of "Northern Exposure" and "Rocket Gibraltar," the film to which the television series owes a good deal. The structure runs parallel to "Charlie." I think maybe the jumbo but pathetic monster of Frankenstein may be stretching things too far.
Travolta is convincing enough as the cheerful, modest, perceptive brain tumor victim. I liked Kyra Sedgewick because she fits the role of the single mother with two children who wants to keep her life uncomplicated out here in the wilderness of buff hills and bunch grass. Forest Whitaker is fine as the recluse -- the only black guy in town as far as we can tell -- who seems to be Travolta's sole friend in this village. Robert Duvall's part is relatively small but he lends it more energy than he has in any of his other recent films.
The FBI, academia, and famous brain surgeons provide the villains. "The most famous brain surgeon in the world" is Richard Kiley who tries to persuade Travolta to let him operate on his brain while it's still working, though it may not even prolong his life, let alone save it. Travolta could open new doors. Travolta replies to this importuning with: "You don't get it, do you? You have one hand on technology and one hand on science and you have nothing left for the human spirit." I'm on the side of Richard Kiley. Let them go ahead and peel open my head. The worst (or the best) that could happen is that you expire painlessly while in deep anesthesia. The alternative, which Travolta chooses, is to die at Kyra Sedgewick's farmhouse with its vista of live oaks under blazing blue skies. Yet, death from an astrocytoma is a horrible death. You don't die peacefully. You vomit, act irrationally, lose your wits, wind up immobilized, and suffer excruciating pain. The ending is a fantasy.
It struck me as a tale aimed at the heart rather than the head, as Woody Allen once put it. There are pop songs about love and self actualization played over long scenes of smooching and driving around in a beat-up old pick up truck. It was all a bit much.