"Phenomenon" is about a small town auto mechanic (Travolta) who experiences something he can only describe as being "light" and suddenly has peculiar powers such as being able to learn to speak Portuguese in 20 minutes or understanding Dianetics. At issue is, will these powers, which make him the object of fear and awe by the townsfolk, help of hurt his chances with his reluctant love interest (Sedgwick). An pleasant little folksy, Mayberry RFDish flick, "Phenomenon" sticks to the people story and doesn't go off into sci-fi-land as it conjures up the warm and fuzzies, takes a romantic turn with the best haircut & shave since "Wrestling Ernest Hemingway", and tries hard to deliver a message about what's important in life. Yes, the film gets a little sugary sweet but...okay, it gets a lot sugary sweet...but, if you go with it and don't fight it you'll be assured of a pleasant three star watch. Good stuff for sentimentalists. (B)

They say that the average person only uses about five percent of their available brain power. This film examines what might happen if one were to unleash the remaining ninety five percent. Actually, that could be a very scary thought, as we see what happens to George Malley (John Travolta) when he begins to develop a super-human learning ability and the power of telekinesis. So there's also the fear of the unknown thrown into the mix, as George's friends and neighbors are at first amazed and then wary of George's ability, as if he might possibly turn his powers against them.

I generally don't remark on a film's IMDb rating, but this one is bafflingly low at 6.3 as I write this. Travolta and the supporting cast are quite competent in their roles, with Kyra Sedgwick valiantly walking that fine line of guarding against another hurtful relationship balanced against finding that special someone who she can open her heart to once again. For once a film capably tells it's story without resorting to the principals hitting the sack in an obligatory love scene.

What I also liked about the film was the way George's true friends stuck by him through thick and thin. Nate (Forest Whitaker) and Doc (Robert Duvall) never wavered in their loyalty even if it meant going against some of the locals who were willing to throw George under the bus. All in all, this was a heartwarming film that tells it's story with a bit of whimsy on it's way to a life affirming message about achieving one's full potential.

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.