Phenomenon
Seen it?1996 | 123 min | Drama, Romance, Fantasy
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It made about 5 times its budget, but middling reviews (50% on Rotten Tomatoes) held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and fantasy fans. If you loved The Life of Chuck or The Theory of Everything, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Emotional (bring tissues), warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 3 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
50% on Rotten Tomatoes, 41 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.5 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$152 million worldwide on a $32 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 269K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Life of Chuck
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Powder Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Theory of Everything
Friday Night FlickAnother drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
Five Feet Apart
Sunday Safe BetAnother romance, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
- John TravoltaGeorge Malley
- Kyra SedgwickLace Pennamin
- Forest WhitakerNate Pope
- Robert DuvallDoc
- Jeffrey DeMunnProfessor Ringold
- Richard KileyDr. Wellin
- David GallagherAl
- Ashley BuccilleGlory
- Tony GenaroTito
- Sean O'BryanBanes