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Reviews Counted:114
Fresh:75
Rotten:39
Average Rating:6.3/10
Consensus: Though Michael Caine gives an excellent performance, Is Anybody There? features a cliche-filled story that ultimately falters.
Australian Theatrical Release:
Jun 4, 2009 Wide
US Box Office: $1,988,165
Synopsis: Growing up and growing old never played so poignantly as it does in John Crowley’s IS ANYBODY THERE? The film grapples with the sad truths of getting older and losing loved ones, all the while... [More]
Starring: Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey
Director: John Crowley
It wants so badly to be meaningful, relevant and compassionate, but struggles even to keep our attention, never mind our hearts or minds. Not even Michael Caine's slowly sinking geriatric Clarence or affecting young Bill Milner can elevate the material.
Top CriticWith two direct and developed lead performances from Michael Caine and young Bill Milner, it seems unfair to watch their efforts wasted on an uneven, unsatisfying picture like the tear-jerker Is Anybody There?
Top CriticThis well crafted film is given resonance and purpose with layers and layers of detail that make the bittersweet climax all the more heartwarming.
Top CriticCaine and Milner go together like peas in a pod. Or, better yet, like bangers and mash. They're an odd couple, but they face life as one and it's a rewarding journey.
Top CriticMichael Caine is always good company, but he’s been saddled with the role of a slightly pitiful man whose life has been wasted... despite generally good performances the narrative arc is pretty obvious from the start.
Top CriticIt's a film that serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes.
Top CriticDirector John Crowley overestimates the comedic potential of daily life for the elderly and infirmed. Thankfully, the casual, unforced chemistry between Caine and Milner is strong enough to suppress Is Anybody There?’s cornie
Top CriticThis is a film that presses many emotional buttons. In many ways it is a really sad film and certainly one that needs a wad of tissues.
Top CriticWeighed down by a surrounding air of quirkiness.
Top CriticEven when dealing with the supernatural, Caine is never less than a realist. Yet you can still see the boy in him. And in Milner, you can certainly see the man Edward will become.
Top CriticIs Anybody There? proves that talent, not age, will ultimately define successful acting careers.
Only the amusing attention to Eighties detail, such as Morrissey’s New Romantic mullet haircut, and an entertaining grumpy old man impression from Caine keep the film alive. But any laughs are drowned out by predictable melodrama.
It's a film to respect or admire from a distance, rather than like or, you know, actually enjoy.
Director John Crowley takes this whimsical film in some nice directions and gets plenty of value from his supporting cast of top senior talent.
The film unfolds with such a fine balance of charm, humour and heartache that it is impossible to resist.
a bittersweet film about life, death, and magic. It's also one of Michael Caine's best performances, and that's saying a great deal
Caine is flawless here, giving audiences one of his finest performances to date.
There are a lot of other sweet, tender moments in this film and it never felt maudlin in any way to me.
Is Anybody There? conjures up a winning concoction of laughs, tears and '80s nostalgia. Above all, it showcases the breadth of British acting talent.
A finely drawn and gentle British drama propelled by another of the star's unforgettable screen portraits.
Top Critic
April 16, 2009:
Critics Consensus: 17 Again Is Sweet And Poignant
This week at the movies, we've got a high school do-over (17 Again, starring Zac Efron and Leslie Mann), some journalistic thrills (State of Play, starring Russell Crowe and... More...
April 01, 2009:
Michael Caine Talks Batman 3 
Michael Caine is out promoting his latest feature, "Is Anybody There," but he's perfectly willing to share his thoughts on the next "Batman" sequel -- fortunately for Collider,... More...
March 22, 2009:
Click for trailer and preview
More...
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