Bland and derivative. Rehash of dated story line of poor man gets god like powers. There's a 1920's film from Europe practically the same story. This version is over the top pseudo religious crap. The sound of one had clapping type of nonsense that is meant to sound profound.Just go watch toy story it has a deeper moral message.

George Malley (John Travolta) is the nice owner of the local auto repair shop. Everybody likes him and there's a party at the local bar for his birthday. He likes Lace Pennamin (Kyra Sedgwick) but she resists complicating her kids' lives. As he leaves the party, he is struck down by a bright light. He slowly finds his mind expanding and develops telekinetic abilities. Nobody really believes him at first. He is supported by friends Nate Pope (Forest Whitaker), Tito and Doc Brunder (Robert Duvall). He predicts an earthquake. Prof. John Ringold (Jeffrey DeMunn) is a seismologist who comes to investigate. The townfolks turn from bemusement to bewilderment to suspicion. Nate has been sending radio messages for George who deciphered a top secret code and the FBI arrests them.The insistence to keep a light upbeat tone keeps the inherit tension very low for the first half. I like the story but director Jon Turteltaub keeps it from being taken serious. I like the love story and the overall story. I don't find the light tone that compelling. This is basically a superhero origin story and I'm all for it. The locals are too idiotic and too simplistic. It's too easy. Also the FBI threatening the professor is a bit too easy. It's more in line with a simple comic book. I just wish it treated this imaginary world more seriously and with more subtlety.

I had never seen this movie and always thought it was disappointing. Well, i was horribly wrong! Great acting performance by John Travolta. He plays the character of George Malley with great depth. He really IS George Malley and you will see a completely different John Travolta. The environment and scenery in Pasadena California of the movie fits the story perfectly. Also Forest Whitaker plays his character very well. Robert Duval completes the story as the father figure. The story-line is really inspiring and shows you that love conquers all. The relation between George and Lace is beautiful and shows two people in love with each other despite all troubles of the everyday life. Enjoyed this movie and the story. I really think this one of his (John Travolta) best movies.

I'm not sure how to classify this movie or whether I even should. Is it a scifi, romantic or a beautiful drama? Whatever be the genre, Phenomenon was touching & soulful.The lights that John Travolta's character experiences one night is open to interpretation and I prefer it that way. The mystery makes the movie all the more engaging & impressive to me.John Travolta(as George Malley) has given a heartfelt performance, many say, the best of his career. He was at ease in his role, being vulnerable, funny, intelligent, frustrated or even in love. The other actors who touch our hearts too are Robert Duvall(as Dr. Brunder), Forest Whitaker(as George's pal) and even the pretty Kyra Sedgwick(as John's crush, Lace) impresses.What I especially like about the movie is how the story still focuses more on the relationship between the character George and the others in the community after his life-changing experience one night that suddenly turns him into a gifted intellect. Otherwise, Phenomenon could have been just like any other superhero flick about Travolta saving the world with his bare hands or brain! The ending(final scene between George & Lace), I wish, could have been more effective. It came to an end a bit abruptly to me.Verdict: Adorable & romantic. What starts off like a scifi ends being a tale of genuine friendship, care and love.