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A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a meager mortal humanoid named John Travolta was renowned for his abilities to sing, dance, and act for the entertainment of the masses, who—while sometimes critical of his work—still applauded his talents as well earned and for which he worked hard. Unfortunately, since then, Travolta—along with an equally acclaimed peer, actor Tom Cruise—became more famous for a bizarre attraction to a somewhat small but disproportionally influential cult of secretive people who adhered to an exceedingly strange philosophy, which dubbed itself “Scientology”, based on the pseudo-metaphysical writings of late science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. Sometime before being dismissed as out of his gourd, Travolta made a film more than suggestive of his growing attraction to the marriage of the worlds of spiritualism and science fiction, an unsubtlely allegorical piece with the overt misnomer of Phenomenon. Originally released in 1996, coinciding with the rise of the television phenomenon known as The X-Files and the optimistic first presidential term of Bill Clinton, Phenomenon tells the story of how a simple, small-town, animal-loving mechanic (who just so happens to do a little carpentry on the side) named George Malley (Travolta) becomes a superhuman, miracle-working, savior-like being after observing an unidentifiable flashing occurrence in the heavens minutes before the midnight ending of his 37th birthday. Thinly veiled as a metaphor for the New Testament travails of the Western world’s most controversial figure, Jesus Christ, George’s story does not try very hard to mask the notion that godlike potential lies within the heart of every person ... that is, if only he or she is so fortunate as to be bestowed that gift from the benevolent light shows of similar UFOs throughout the world. Shortly after witnessing his own heavenly birthday present, George begins to stun his friends and neighbors with his growing mental capabilities, just as Christ tried to prove his credo with an array of munificent miracles. For example, George demonstrates his potential to solve almost all the world’s problems by revealing to his best friend, the transparently named Nate Pope (Forest Whitaker), novel inventions such as an organic fertilizer that yields an exponentially increased amount of fruit and vegetation, automotive engines running on garbage and manure that achieve over 90 mpg, and solar-powered cells based on photosynthesis thousands of times more efficient than those currently patented, thereby saving humanity from all its hunger, energy, and environmental troubles. When he proves to the skeptically minded Doc (Robert Duvall) his telekinetic abilities and finds a missing sick child through telepathy, George is not merely depicted as akin to the Christian Savior, he’s actually better: After all, Christ simply put out a few profound parables; George is a superman of action—just like Scientology promotes. It’s not too hard to see all the comparisons and contrasts between George’s greatness and Christ’s, just like one could see how love interest Lace Pennamin (Kyra Sedwick) could be aligned with concept of Mary Magdelene’s being Christ’s mortal wife, particularly when she washes George’s hair (just as Magdelene washed Jesus’ feet). Phenomenon‘s attempt to promote the underlying theories of Scientology as patently more applicable and understandable than those of pretty much any other worldview, suggests John TravoltRead full review
one of my favorite movies. Good performance by Travolta
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Very good movie I always enjoy watching John Travolta light humor and mild drama
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The dvd skipped in the middle of the movie there is a small mark on the disc
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
John Travolta is Outstanding in his role,...supporting actors/actress compliment Travolta in a captivating story with an unexpected twist in the end. Great movie.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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