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Phenomenon (1996)

 -  Drama | Fantasy | Romance  -  3 July 1996 (USA)
6.3
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Ratings: 6.3/10 from 46,057 users   Metascore: 41/100
Reviews: 106 user | 49 critic | 17 from Metacritic.com

An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis.

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Title: Phenomenon (1996)

Phenomenon (1996) on IMDb 6.3/10

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7 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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...
...
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Prof. John Ringold
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Dr. Wellin
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Al Pennamin
Ashley Buccille ...
Glory Pennamin
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Tito
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Banes
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Jimmy
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Roger
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FBI Agent Jack Hatch (as Bruce Young)
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Ted Rhome
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Storyline

The main character observes a strange light on his birthday at a bar. The following days he becomes very intelligent and puts the intelligence to good use in his community. When word gets around he becomes known as a freak and everyone wants to figure out why this happened to a car mechanic. The government also wants to get their hands on it to put it to other uses. Written by Ryan Taylor <raytay@psyber.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

light | birthday | telekinesis | bar | beer | See more »

Taglines:

Some things in life just can't be explained.


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language and mild sensuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

3 July 1996 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Fenomen  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

JPY 76,886,100 (Japan) (17 January 1997)

Gross:

JPY 144,935,600 (Japan) (24 January 1997)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

|

Color:

(FotoKem)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

At one point Wolfgang Petersen was attached to direct. See more »

Goofs

When George uses the tape recorder to record the Morse code signals, there's no tape in the recorder. See more »

Quotes

Banes: What else do you know, George?
George Malley: Well, I know you're on the outs with Lisa again.
Banes: [dumbfounded] How'd you know that?
George Malley: Well, when she's living with you, she makes sure your clothes match.
See more »

Connections

Featured in The Oprah Winfrey Show: Summer Movie Reviews (1996) See more »

Soundtracks

"Love Child"
Written by R.D. Taylor, E. Wilson, P. Sawyer, and Deke Richards (as D. Lussier)
Performed by Diana Ross and The Supremes
See more »

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User Reviews

 
An Inspiration!
6 September 2001 | by (Iowa) – See all my reviews

An 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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