Rating: 
Summary: A gift for your 37th birthday
Review: George Malley is part of a close knit rural community. He is celebrating his birthday. On his way home he sees a bright light. After that his world changes. He finds he can think clearer and do extraordinary things.
Now we see if this is a gift or a curse. How will his friends and others deal with his "Phenomenon?"The concept of the movie is not new. However it is the execution of the story and the interaction of the characters that make this a top notch film. You could also tell that John Travolta has a great time making this film. Many of the other actors fit the parts so well hat you forgot they were acting. If you like this film, the film "Resurrection" (1980) with Ellen Burstyn is similar but more serious.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most POIGNANT movies I've ever seen!
Review: The phenomenon about Phenomenon is that it wasn't more of a hit at the box office! I found this movie to be extremely "watchable," and if you harbor any lingering doubts about Travolta's acting abilities, this movie will extinguish them for good! Travolta delivers a stirring performance as George, and ordinary guy who gains extraordinary powers after being struck on the eve of his thirty-seventh birthday by a mysterious blinding light, out of the blue. George then gains superior mental abilities, which, ironically, meet with many negative consequences in the small town where he lives. This movie is very haunting; it definitely stays with you. It is also DEFINITELY worth seeing, and makes a beautifully unique addition to any movie collection.
Rating: 
Summary: Underrated, moving film
Review: Phenomeonon was advertised as a sci-fi movie, and whilke it has a sci-fi sort of theme at its core, anyone going to see the movie based on that was sorely disappointed. What this movie is, actually, is a story about a man learning to cope with something that he can't understand, and how it brings him closer to his friends and his community, and how it allows him to understand and deal with his own fate. Yes, it's a bit sappy at times, but it also contains some really excellent performances. Travolta delivers what it certainly his most authentic and touching portrayal of a real human being yet seen in his post-Tarantino career. Forrest Whittaker and Robert Duvall likewise contribute first-rate performances. A wonderful contemporary soundtrack ties it all together.
Rating:
Summary: *Not a thriller!* Quiet, touching, thought-provoking.
Review: Who would have imagined that John Travolta could do a Jimmy Stewart impression? At times though, I felt a strong resemblance - especially with the gentle, bemused Stewart of "Mr Smith goes to Washington" or "The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance". Even the name "George Malley" fits, and the two birthday parties held under very different circumstances.
The challenge of imagining what it would be like to be hyper-intelligent has defeated a lot of writers. How could we know, after all? How could a chimp grasp the thoughts that go through the average human mind? This movie does quite a good job of handling this problem, but it really zooms in on the difficulty of finding a role in life when all your friends look at you in awe (or downright fear) and even the government sees you as a security risk.
It's not very exciting, but it is emotional and thought-provoking. And surprisingly funny, in an unassuming way. A great way to spend a quiet, reflective evening that will give you plenty of food for thought.
Rating:
Summary: 4.6 stars
Review: John Travolta plays an ordinary guy living in a rural small-town setting. Everybody likes him, although he is not particularly talented or successful. Then, right after his thirty-seventh birthday party, he is walking around outside, and sees a bright light in the sky, that knocks him out. When he recovers, he gradually realizes that he has changed markedly. His intelligence, creativity, and awareness have doubled, or more.
So, what does he do with all these new-found abilities? He is overwhelmed at times, he frightens people at times, he becomes a hero at times, and he pursues his love-interest, Kyra Sedgwick. Oh, as usual, some government agency wants to lock him up somewhere to study him. All he wants to do is to try to be happy and helpful, but will the world allow him that?
I am not usually a big Travolta fan, as he has played the smart-alecky egotistical know-it-all so often that I have come to think of him that way. He is entirely different here, and comes off as honest, charming, sincere, and down-to-Earth. He actually reminds me of Mel Gibson here, whereas he usually reminds me more of Tom Cruise. Kyra Sedgwick also plays her part very well, as the once-burned-quadruply-cautious woman who does not want to fall in love again and just wants to keep life simple . . . but can't quite resist Travolta's charm. Robert Duvall is wonderful as the town doctor who has semi-adopted Travolta and works to help him seek happiness despite the changes in his life. The young actor and actress who play Sedgwick's children are perfect in their roles.
The movie is a bit reminiscent of "Flowers for Algernon" and slightly reminiscent of "Little Man Tate" in some of its themes. It even has a little of "Starman" in it. In the end, though, it is original enough, and done well enough, to be very enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Romantic Drama With Healthy Comedy
Review: I originally saw this movie in the theater and was pleasantly surprised. Not that I can see it at home the film's wonder has not disappeared. Phenomenon stars John Travolta (with an appearance by Brent Spiner of ST:NG). The premise of this film is that John sees a light in the sky that hits him and knocks him out. After that he has increased brain usage. This enables him to read quickly, comprehend, think clearly and even perform minor telekinesis. In the small town in which he lives this sort of thing can cause some problems and fear. Robert Duval gives an excellent portrayal of a small town doctor and the rest of the cast does a marvelous job. Phenomenon is partly a love story as John pursues the woman of his dreams, but it is also much more. It is a film about facing the unknown and the wonder of learning. While much of the film is funny it is definitely not a comedy and you should be prepared to have various emotional strings pulled throughout the film. An excellent choice for fans of romantic comedies and romantic dramas.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, poignant film to be enjoyed by all
Review: Normally I am the type that would ignore a film with John Travolta and Kyra Sedgewick; I would assume it was too mainstream, not original, etc. I'm not sure how then I did come to see this film, but I must say I am glad I did. This is a gem of a movie, about life, death, regret, etc. It is just so poignant. I've now seen the film a few times, and every time, I get a lump in my throat at the end. (I especially also liked the "apple scene"!) The music really works in this film as well.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This is a fun film about a country "bumpkin" who appears to be zapped in the head by something from the sky. All of a sudden he becomes super smart and has telekenetic powers. The more he tries to help the townspeople with his new wisdom and powers, the more they fear him and are also jealous of him. Throughout the film the two people who stand by him are his best friend and the girl who makes wicker chairs (Kara Sedgewick) that he continually buys even though he doesn't need them. When the truth to his condition is learned the government wants to exploit him and Travolta has to decide to either be a part of what they want or do what he wants. Great film from beginning to end.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful peformance from John Travolta
Review: John Travolta stars as a man who one day is struck by a bright light and then the next thing you know he is s super genius in which he knows everything about anything and he spits it out in a split second. Effective drama with John Travolta giving out a beautiful and charming performance. Also starring Forest Whitaker and Robert DuVall in wonderful supporting roles. The end of the movie is the most emotional and sparks the most waterworks, though I didnt cry I really thought it was devastating to see Travolta's character die. This is a sure winner.
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