Phenomenon (Exclusive Series (Hulu/Amazon Prime via Showtime add-on)
- Matt Palmer
- Nov 16, 2021
- 2 min read
Initial release date: July 3, 1996
Studio: Touchstone Pictures
Tagline: Some things in life just can’t be explained.
Plot: On his birthday, mechanic George Malley 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. Blunder that he has a massive tumor. With his new knowledge, he decides to spend time with his crush.
Cast
John Travolta (Gotti) - George Mallley
Kyra Sedgwick (ABCs Call Your Mother) - Lace Pennamin
Forest Whitaker (Respect) - Nate Pope
Robert Duvall (12 Mighty Orphans) - Doc
Jeffrey DeMunn (TVs Billions) - Professor Ringold
RIchard Kiley (Patch Adams) - Dr. Wellin
David Gallagher (Super 8) - Al
Ashley Buccille - Glory
Tony Genaro (World Trade Center) - Tito
Sean O’Bryan (Hulu’s Love, Victor) - Banes
Brent Spincer (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels) - Dr. Bob
Writer: Gerald Di Pego (The Forgotten; Message in a Bottle; Instinct)
Director: Jon Turteltaub (The Meg; Last Vegas)
Rated PG for language and mild sensuality (123 minutes)
The 1996 John Travolta movie ‘Phenomenon’ is probably one of the actor’s better movies and can be overlooked.
The movie can be heart-warming at times and very uplifting. There are quite a few moments that are truly inspiring as well - mainly when George Malley is helping people out with his newfound ability. There are also a few parts that can give you a light little chuckle.
‘Phenomenon’ is an underrated movie that is an interesting watch and can be a little emotional, especially towards the end. This is one of those guilty pleasures that can make a nice little viewing with the family on a nice lazy Sunday afternoon and/or evening.
‘Phenomenon’ can be streamed on either Hulu or Amazon Prime through the Showtime add-on.
Here are a couple little tidbits about the 1996 John Travolta movie:
Old town Auburn, California was used for the scenes in town. Most of the businesses are still in operation, and thrive off of the tourism generated by the movie to this day.
Sean Penn, Ed Harris and Jason Patric were considered for the role of George Malley.
The film grossed more than $16 million on its opening weekend, debuting in 3rd position and later climbing to 2nd. It finally grossed $ 100,636,382 in the US and $47,400,000 elsewhere, grossing approx. $152 million overall.
A sequel/remake, ‘Phenomenon II,’ was developed for TV as part of “The Wonderful World of Disney” series. The movie was released in Season 45, Episode 3 and aired November 1, 2003 to very negative reviews.
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