Review of Phenomena (1985) by Brian C — 22 Nov 2010
There is much to like about Phenomena. But there is also so much to dislike. Firstly, the movie has Donald Pleasance and Jennifer Connelly. Next there is the zaniness...homicidal chimp, pool of maggots, deformed crazy kid, lots of blood, and a girl that can communicate with insects. But as fun is that is, that is also the movie's greatest weakness. There is just too much going on. Too much incoherence between the various pieces of zaniness. What this leaves is a movie of great set pieces.
The picturesque scenery that seems to serene works well against the horror. And of course Jennifer is just so beautiful.
I did enjoy this movie, although not as much as Argento's other works...which seems to be the opposite of just about everyone else out there, including Argento himself.
At any rate, if you are an Argento fan, definitely worth seeing, otherwise I would skip it. It doesn't hold up well.
This review of Phenomena (1985) was written by Brian C on 22 Nov 2010.
Phenomena has generally received positive reviews.
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