I didn’t mean to do it, but now I notice a theme developing here: I must have a thing for movies about unexpected genius.
Mostly because I’d like to have it. Oh well. In the wake of recommending “Little Man Tate” last week, and “Searching for Bobby Fischer” earlier this year, we now reach for one of John Travolta’s sweetest and most appealing roles, in “Phenomenon” from 1996.
Travolta is a small-town California car mechanic named George, living the good life among an enjoyable cast of character-friends played by the likes of Robert Duvall, Forest Whitaker and Kyra Sedgwick. One night, George appears to be struck down by a blinding light; he starts reading a few books a day, learns whole languages in minutes, and may have some ideas for the universities about nuclear fusion.
The questions that provide tension include where did George’s new gift come from? Is it truly a gift, or a curse, if his friends can’t handle the new George? Will the FBI consider the talkative genius some kind of threat?
“Phenomenon” boasts an ease among the talented cast, and a quiet sense of melancholy that precludes a flashy Hollywood ending. It’s an adult story that your kids can appreciate.
And we’ll let you know when there are enough “genius” movies to make a boxed set.
Each Tuesday, Michael Booth uncovers a movie gem for rewarding family entertainment. Reach him at mbooth@denverpost.com; find the Screen Team blog at denverpostbloghouse.com.
“Phenomenon”
Rated: PG for some profanity and mature subject matter Most appealing: Children 8 or older
