The Phenom
A Major League rookie pitcher (Johnny Simmons) loses control over his pitching and is sent down to the minor leagues, where he begins sessions with an unorthodox psychologist (Paul Giamatti) who uncovers conflict from his past.
1960, USA
24 August 1955, Bridgeton, New Jersey, USA
17 July 1963, Ridgewood, Queens, New York, USA
27 November 1969, Los Angeles, California, USA
30 August 1979, Camarillo, California, USA
1 October 1982, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
10 January 1991, Maracaibo, Venezuela
29 April 1969, Chicago, Illinois, USA
19 May 1970, San Francisco, California, USA
6 November 1970, Austin, Texas, USA
31 May 1989, Valencia, California, USA
20 May 1986, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
6 June 1967, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
28 November 1986, Montgomery, Alabama, USA
July 11, 2016
A thoughtful, introspective sports drama that suggests Noah Buschel, like Hopper, may have greatness in him.
July 11, 2016
As sports-centric films go, those folks looking for cheering crowds on a mild summer's night won't find much joy in The Phenom's mudville. It's a slow walk around the bases.
July 07, 2016
A cold, hard look at how the scars of our youth follow us into adulthood and what attempting to make peace with one's demons actually feels like
August 25, 2016
There is a stronger, deeper, fuller motion picture to be made from this material. Earnest though it is, this one is decidedly far from phenomenal.
June 24, 2016
Not everything here works... But it's an interesting, great-looking film, and Simmons is just dynamite in it.
January 01, 2017
Buschel is clearly on the right track to fully embracing the limitations of conventional structures in storytelling. When he does, it could lead to a minor masterpiece, which at times The Phenom flirts with.
June 24, 2016
A welcome surprise for sports cinema, "The Phenom" handles itself like Robert Redford's "Ordinary People" when exploring the psychology of a Lebron James or Johnny Manziel-like sports sensation.
July 01, 2016
This "love me daddy" baseball pic that earns points for spending less than 5 percent of its time on the diamond and refusing to end in open competition...so far as the playing field is concerned.
July 31, 2016
The mental side of baseball might be critical to winning, but it's not all that exciting to watch.
June 24, 2016
It's Hawke who gives the film its dramatic urgency.
June 24, 2016
Instead of big fireworks, "The Phenom" offers low-key character moments. It's a small film with a lot of insight.
January 01, 2017
When Buschel narrows his focus and has a handle on these characters' essences, there are flashes of greatness. All he needs is a tighter grip.
