Sean’s Halloween Picks 3: Phenomenon
Happy Halloween readers, here’s the final pick for my Halloween movies. They haven’t been scary movies, but that all have a supernatural element. Rounding out the list is 1996′s Phenomenon. A movie about an ordinary man who has an extraordinary life thrust upon him.
3. Phenomenon
After being struck by Grease Lightning, Travolta developed Grease Telekinesis.
George Malley was a normal guy. He was a good and honest man, but nothing remarkable. One night after his birthday party he sees a bright light and a booming sound that knocks him on his ass. After that moment he starts seeing everything clearly, developing super intelligence and even telekinesis. The story at its core is how the townspeople respond to this change, and Malley trying to win over a local woman. It’s a great story with a great cast.
I can understand theoretical physics, but not Kyra Sedgwick.
Travolta is great as George Malley. I’m not quite sure what convinced him to start playing villains, which I’ve yet to see him do well, but he is perfect in this role. His transformation from normal guy to genius is gradual and believable. The cast is rounded out by Forest Whitaker as his best friend, Kyra Sedgwick as a single mom love interest, and Robert Duvall. Duvall plays the town doctor, and philosopher. He’s a great character and you see him celebrate Malley’s birthday by mooning him in the first 5 minutes of the movie.
I fear that the Grease Lightning has affected your brain John. You’re babbling about something called Battlefield Earth.
The heart of the film lies not with the parlor tricks Malley can do, but with his frustrations at what it has done to his life, and how his friends look at him. The best scenes involve well written dialogue and great performances. Give this movie a watch and you’ll remember what Travolta was like before he came down with a bad case of over-acting.
That wraps up my Halloween picks. I hope you find one or all of these movies entertaining, and have a great Halloween!
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