PHENOMENON

PHENOMENON: B

An enjoyable mid 90's flick that explores the realms of that in which we cannot explain, philosophically as well as theoretically. A middle aged man, George, finds himself effected by a bright light, that is speculated to be alien or perhaps divine intervention,but never outright defined. Through the experience he gains many abilities, including telekinesis and an ability to learn things at an astronomical rate.

The film has a touch of science fiction, but it is much more a study of sociology, and how a community would react to such a happening, than it is the happening itself. While a simplistic, straight forward and to the point plot, it illustrates the actualities of reactions that one would receive in an effective, realistic manner.

It'd be nice to think that more individuals would react in the way that the Doctor did. Sticking up for George and continuing to see him for who he was, not what he had became. Unfortunately though many would turn on him and treat him in a negative way, and one has to appreciate the film's honesty in displaying that.

The acting was solid. No one stood out as exception, good or bad. The directing was text book and conventional. Nothing to rave about, nothing to complain about.

The only downfall of the film was that the sappy love story between George and the woman he was attracted to. The main focus of the story already created the emotion desired for its audience to feel. The action conveyed the message. There was no need to then didactically tell us what we had already seen, through campy and unnecessary feel good dialog.

Overall good film. Perhaps if my Dad wasn't anti-John Travolta (he hated him in WELCOME BACK KOTTER, and he's never forgiven him for it) I'd have seen this earlier in life.

FLATLINERS (2017)

Flatliners (2017) = C+

A character driven plot, with strong character development and exploration,brought to life through solid performances by a talented cast in a story whose greatest flaw was a lack of focus.

The story begged from beginning to within the last few minutes to end in the ambiguity of options, only to reluctantly in lackluster fashion come to a final conclusion. A conclusion that contradicted itself and left a series of questions unanswered.

I appreciate the film's message about forgiving yourself and I do appreciate how Sophia, Marlo and Jamie all made right what they once made wrong. However, it also made it clear that the only reason to feel remorse to those you have wronged is if it has an equally negative effect on you. While Marlo at least felt a genuine regret for the wrong she committed, neither Jamie nor Sophia had much concern for the wrongs they committed or how it effected those they committed them against until it gave them consequence themselves.

Film felt like it would have worked better as a psychological thriller with philosophical questions, than it did with cheap jump startles.

It certainly explored the levels of what it means to be a good person.

Time to check out the original.