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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.

Rated: 12A [See Full Rating] for language including sexual references, and some disturbing images.

Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:01-05-2009

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 date; UK critics are listed first)
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The story’s main elements are the stuff of broadbrush, bittersweet television drama.

Full Review Source: Sunday Times (UK) | comment Comment
05/07/09
Edward Porter
Edward Porter
Sunday Times (UK)

Caine and Milner, who was so unaffectedly good in Son of Rambow, play beautifully together, and the movie is about Edward coming to terms with life and mortality.

Full Review Source: Observer [UK] | comment Comment
05/07/09
Philip French
Philip French
Observer [UK]

It's clunky at times and predictable sentimental nonsense at heart, but the film gets there in an endearing way and is certainly entertaining.

Full Review Source: Sunday Mail [UK] | comment Comment
05/07/09
Mickey McMonagle
Mickey McMonagle
Sunday Mail [UK]

Caine leads an impeccable cast in a story that is as touching as it is funny, turning the mundane minutiae of fading lives into a vibrant display.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
05/01/09
Philip Wilding
Philip Wilding
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The tender rapport between this film’s two leads, 76-year-old Michael Caine and 14-year-old Bill Milner, is reason enough to see this sweet-natured British indie that explores the not-very-sexy topics of death and ageing.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
05/01/09
Dave Calhoun
Dave Calhoun
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It's a film to respect or admire from a distance, rather than like or, you know, actually enjoy.

Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
05/01/09
Ali Catterall
Ali Catterall
Channel 4 Film
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It’s a tragic farce. There are moments of dramatic pudding when the anxieties and fears that Clarence and Edward share grind in opposite directions. But the magic is in the tiny, immaculate stitches.

Full Review Source: Times [UK] | comment Comment
05/01/09
James Christopher
James Christopher
Times [UK]
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

This sweet-natured movie can nonetheless provide laughs and sharp insights, as well as a lump in the throat.

Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
05/01/09
Peter Bradshaw
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian [UK]
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

He could have been on to a real winner; as it is, it’s charming, but slight, and you rather feel Son of Rambow got here first on the Thatcher-era coming-of-age front.

Full Review Source: Daily Telegraph | comment Comment
05/01/09
Tim Robey
Tim Robey
Daily Telegraph
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Is Anybody There? lets the thought that helpless infirmity is where we’re all headed sink in gently. Unassumingly wise, its jagged edges stick with you.

Full Review Source: Little White Lies | comment Comment
05/01/09
Nick Hasted
Nick Hasted
Little White Lies

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

Whether by accident or design, Is Anybody There? shares its youthful lead and ‘80s setting with funny, inventive Son Of Rambow. It hasn’t emerged from its shadow.

comment Comment
05/01/09
Charles Gant
Charles Gant
Heat Magazine

Thought-provoking and quietly impressive, it's not a big movie but it is big-hearted.

Full Review Source: Sky Movies | comment Comment
05/01/09
Tim Evans
Tim Evans
Sky Movies

The sum of its gently amusing parts doesn’t add up to a film likely to stay long in the heart – or multiplex.

Full Review Source: Total Film | comment Comment
05/01/09
Jane Crowther
Jane Crowther
Total Film

Despite this being a small film with a small budget the cast, including a never better Michael Caine, give it their all and turn in superb performances.

Full Review Source: Heart 106.2 | comment Comment
05/01/09
Simon Thompson
Simon Thompson
Heart 106.2

It's amiable and inoffensive, and Caine gives one of his most charming performances as the curmudgeonly conjuror; but I fear that in cinemas this is going to perform an all too rapid disappearing act.

Full Review Source: Daily Mail [UK] | comment Comment
05/01/09
Christopher Tookey
Christopher Tookey
Daily Mail [UK]

Witty, poignant and very touching, this is the British comedy of the year.

Full Review Source: Daily Mirror [UK] | comment Comment
05/01/09
David Edwards
David Edwards
Daily Mirror [UK]

Slushy but with a great cast...

Full Review Source: Sunday Mirror [UK] | comment Comment
05/01/09
Mark Adams
Mark Adams
Sunday Mirror [UK]

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.

Full Review Source: Sun Online | comment Comment
05/01/09
Sun Online

The rude and real joy is Caine’s performance.

Full Review Source: Times [UK] | comment Comment
05/01/09
James Christopher
James Christopher
Times [UK]
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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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
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