Whilst Phenomenon could technically be classed as science fiction, it is a far more down to earth story about the human condition.

George Malley (John Travolta) is a popular resident of a small rural American town. His birthday party at the local bar is a great scene-setter, as we get a real sense of the community spirit in the town, along with how George fits into the place and his different relationships with the people. After seeing off a friend outside, he stands in the street and drinks a toast to the stars. But there is something else in the sky, a light, and it's getting closer. As the light gets nearer it becomes a beam that shoots straight into George's eyes, knocking him out for a few moments. When he comes around, he goes back into the bar asking if anyone else saw the light and is hardly aware that he has won a game of chess against his friend Doc (the local doctor, played by the ever charismatic Robert Duvall) without even thinking about it.

As the days pass, George finds he is unable to sleep and he begins speed reading several books a day and building experiments using household junk, working on harnessing solar power, creating an enhanced fertiliser for his garden vegetables and even creating a car that runs on the methane from pig dung. But his greatest passion of all is Lace Pennamin (Kyra Sedgwick), a reclusive and beautiful woman who lives in isolation with her two children. However, she is a very closed woman and resists his advances, despite how much her children (both played by very talented and cute kids) adore him. However, as George's powers grow stronger and stranger, his friends other than Nate Pope (Forest Whitaker) become wary of him.

Phenomenon is a charming and enjoyable film, although it is quite slow-paced and does drag a little towards the end. John Travolta showcases his excellent acting talents by providing us with probably the most ordinary and normal person he's every played, who is as surprised as everyone else at the changes he is going through. He brings George Malley to life, giving him depth and making us care about what happens to him. Kyra Sedgwick portrays the inner turmoil of past pain very convincingly and it becomes clear why she is holding back her feelings from George. Robert Duvall and Forest Whitaker are both up to their usual excellent forms; Robert is a terrific presence and Forest plays a laid back, relaxed character very naturally.

Whilst George's developing powers and the way this affects his relationships are enough to keep us interested, I feel that too long was taken in this part of the film and unfortunately the penultimate section does drag a little because of it. Still, the bitter sweet but satisfying ending, which ultimately leaves you feeling good, makes up for this. There are several worthwhile messages in the film too, which come across in an indirect, unforced fashion and it's never a bad thing to walk away from a film feeling inspired or introspective. As to the extras, there are none!

Phenomenon is an endearing tale of one ordinary man's extraordinary journey and whilst it is very well acted with a great cast, the screenplay is a little too slow to hold your attention throughout the film's overlong duration. It's worth a watch, but don't go too far out of your way.

Reviewed by Geoff Holland for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).