Phenomenon II was a very enjoyable movie. It was clearly written to be a pilot; and it's regrettable that it only got that far. We haven't had a really intelligent protagonist to follow in a TV series since David Janssen was The Fugitive.
You couldn't have a more likable lead than the one played in Phenomenon II by Christopher Shyer as George Malley. He was buoyant, engaging and thoughtful. The part seemed made for him.
Claudette Mink was a wonderful choice to play Lace Pennamin. She was believable both as an actress, and also as someone who would actually attract George Malley. The attraction in the first Phenomenon movie was always a mystery, although it was certainly well-played by Kyra Sedgwick.
The script moved along at a nice pace. It was really interesting how quickly it got through the basic story points and character definition, in order to improve on Phenomenon I by adding a formula for a future television series. It would make a good one too; most viewers are probably left wanting more.
The only thing that detracted from Phenomenon II was the part written for Jill Clayburgh -- who played George Malley's mom. As written, it was utterly unbelievable. A loving mother would not have turned her son over to a brain surgeon like this -- nor would she have insisted he leave town. She would have defended him.
The latter scene would have been better left out completely. Or it should have been written for another character...maybe the Doctor.
Jill Clayburgh certainly did her best to play the part as written, but it wasn't believable.
You couldn't have a more likable lead than the one played in Phenomenon II by Christopher Shyer as George Malley. He was buoyant, engaging and thoughtful. The part seemed made for him.
Claudette Mink was a wonderful choice to play Lace Pennamin. She was believable both as an actress, and also as someone who would actually attract George Malley. The attraction in the first Phenomenon movie was always a mystery, although it was certainly well-played by Kyra Sedgwick.
The script moved along at a nice pace. It was really interesting how quickly it got through the basic story points and character definition, in order to improve on Phenomenon I by adding a formula for a future television series. It would make a good one too; most viewers are probably left wanting more.
The only thing that detracted from Phenomenon II was the part written for Jill Clayburgh -- who played George Malley's mom. As written, it was utterly unbelievable. A loving mother would not have turned her son over to a brain surgeon like this -- nor would she have insisted he leave town. She would have defended him.
The latter scene would have been better left out completely. Or it should have been written for another character...maybe the Doctor.
Jill Clayburgh certainly did her best to play the part as written, but it wasn't believable.