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Is Anybody There?

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Is Anybody There? (2009)

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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 Rating: TBC

Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins

Genre: Dramas

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... 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 maintaining a sardonic wit and sincere warmth. Coming of age in a family-run rest home, the reclusive, death-obsessed Edward (Bill Milner, SON OF RAMBOW) wiles away his days tormenting his parents’ elderly residents and secretly tape-recording them in search of answers about the afterlife. Edward finds a kindred spirit in Clarence (Michael Caine), the curmudgeonly, retired magician who begrudgingly takes up residence at the guest home. The two strike up an unlikely friendship that helps Clarence come to terms with losing his wife, and Edward finds a way out of his shell. Milner holds his own alongside veteran Caine with a biting yet charming performance. Anne-Marie Duff (NOTES ON A SCANDAL) and David Morrissey (BASIC INSTINCT 2) offer up moving support as Edward’s working-class parents, who struggle to hold onto their marriage while making ends meet. The colorful cast of senior citizens, which includes seasoned actors Rosemary Harris (Aunt May from the SPIDERMAN films) and Karl Johnson (HOT FUZZ, ROME), provides some of the film's most melancholy and comic moments. Along with stellar performances from the impressive ensemble, IS ANYBODY THERE? is well-scripted and beautifully shot. Though it deals with some of life’s toughest moments, this is a film that is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages. [More]

Starring: Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey

Starring: Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey, Rosemary Harris, Karl Johnson, Leslie Phillips, Elizabeth Spriggs

Director: John Crowley

Director: John Crowley
Screenwriter: Peter Harness
Producer: David Heyman, Marc Turtletaub, Peter Saraf
Composer: Joby Talbot
Studio: Big Beach Films

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Reviews for Is Anybody There?

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1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating; Australian critics are listed first)
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This well crafted film is given resonance and purpose with layers and layers of detail that make the bittersweet climax all the more heartwarming.

Full Review Source: FILMINK (Australia) | comment Comment
06/05/09
Colin Fraser
Colin Fraser
FILMINK (Australia)
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Caine 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.

Full Review Source: Courier Mail (Australia) | comment Comment
06/01/09
Colin Newton
Colin Newton
Courier Mail (Australia)
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Michael 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.

Full Review Source: At the Movies (Australia) | comment Comment
06/10/09
David Stratton
David Stratton
At the Movies (Australia)
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It's a film that serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes.

Full Review Source: The Australian | comment Comment
06/12/09
David Stratton
David Stratton
The Australian
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This 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.

Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
05/27/09
Louise Keller
Louise Keller
Urban Cinefile
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Even 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.

Full Review Source: Sydney Morning Herald | comment Comment
06/12/09
Sandra Hall
Sandra Hall
Sydney Morning Herald
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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.

Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
05/27/09
Andrew L. Urban
Andrew L. Urban
Urban Cinefile
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With 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?

Full Review Source: Dark Horizons | comment Comment
06/01/09
Brian Orndorf
Brian Orndorf
Dark Horizons
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Director 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

Full Review Source: Herald Sun (Australia) | comment Comment
05/27/09
Leigh Paatsch
Leigh Paatsch
Herald Sun (Australia)
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Weighed down by a surrounding air of quirkiness.

Full Review Source: The Age (Australia) | comment Comment
06/12/09
Philippa Hawker
Philippa Hawker
The Age (Australia)
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Is Anybody There? proves that talent, not age, will ultimately define successful acting careers.

Full Review Source: FHM [UK] | comment Comment
05/01/09
FHM [UK]

Director John Crowley takes this whimsical film in some nice directions and gets plenty of value from his supporting cast of top senior talent.

Full Review Source: Scotsman | comment Comment
05/01/09
Alistair Harkness
Alistair Harkness
Scotsman

The film unfolds with such a fine balance of charm, humour and heartache that it is impossible to resist.

Full Review Source: Daily Express | comment Comment
05/01/09
Allan Hunter
Allan Hunter
Daily Express

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

Full Review Source: Killer Movie Reviews | comment Comment
05/09/09
Andrea Chase
Andrea Chase
Killer Movie Reviews

Caine is flawless here, giving audiences one of his finest performances to date.

Full Review Source: At the Movies | comment Comment
04/20/09
Ben Lyons
Ben Lyons
At the Movies

There are a lot of other sweet, tender moments in this film and it never felt maudlin in any way to me.

Full Review Source: At the Movies | comment Comment
04/20/09
Ben Mankiewicz
Ben Mankiewicz
At the Movies

Is Anybody There? conjures up a winning concoction of laughs, tears and '80s nostalgia. Above all, it showcases the breadth of British acting talent.

Full Review Source: Digital Spy | comment Comment
05/01/09
Ben Rawson-Jones
Ben Rawson-Jones
Digital Spy

A finely drawn and gentle British drama propelled by another of the star's unforgettable screen portraits.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
04/17/09
Betsy Sharkey
Betsy Sharkey
Los Angeles Times
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This thoughtful, well-crafted, modest little film is a pleasing example of generational intersections and the wisdom that flows both directions.

Full Review Source: Christianity Today | comment Comment
04/24/09
Brandon Fibbs
Brandon Fibbs
Christianity Today

There's a touch of magic at play here but it is of the understated variety, delivering a finale that is unexpectedly hopeful, moving and emotionally satisfying.

Full Review Source: Toronto Star | comment Comment
05/15/09
Bruce Demara
Bruce Demara
Toronto Star
 
 
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Latest News for Is Anybody There?

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 Opens in new window
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 Opens in new window
More...

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