Is Anybody There? (2009)
Tomatometer
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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
Reviews for Is Anybody There?
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
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 4/5 |
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 |
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3/5 |
It's a film that serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes. Full Review |
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 2.5/5 |
Weighed down by a surrounding air of quirkiness. Full Review |
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3/5 |
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 |
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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 |
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3/5 |
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 |
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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 |
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5.5/5 |
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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2.5/4 |
Is Anybody There? devolves into a predictable yarn about a boy and a grandfatherly figure - but adding Michael Caine to the mix means it's still worth your while. Full Review |
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Profoundly (and some would say pleasurably) formulaic, the film possesses scant cinematic energy, relying wholly on the familiar transformation of a grumpy old man into an infectiously weepy humanist. Full Review |
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The talent and craftsmanship of "Is Anybody There?" is ample, but it remains uncertain whether there's anybody here still interested in this all-too-familiar story. Full Review |
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3/4 |
Warmly lit and beautifully acted, but cynical enough %u2013 and chock-full of enough dark humor %u2013 to avoid what might have been unbearably schmaltzy. Full Review |
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3.5/5 |
Like a good number of films, 'Is Anybody There?' is saved from being a routine offering by the presence of Sir Michael Caine. Full Review |
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Strings together a series of sitcom situations, goes for easy laughs, and wastes some very fine actors as other residents in the home. Full Review |
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3/4 |
a quirky, sometimes schmaltzy British dramedy that mixes meaningful ruminations about growing old with broad black comedy Full Review |
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C+ |
I don't have any significant complaints about the film, but if I didn't see it I don't think I would have missed anything special. Full Review |
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4.5/5 |
What we have here is a three-and-a-half-star movie boosted into the realm of four-and-a-half stars on the strength of one person: Michael Caine. Full Review |
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3/4 |
Worth seeing for Caine, who makes acting seem effortless, pleasurable and even noble. Full Review |
CommentLatest 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 
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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