Phenomenon (1996)

The sci-fi-ish Jon Turteltaub drama Phenomenon (1996) came out the same year as the sort of similar flick Michael (1996), which might explain why this one tends to be overlooked in the John Travolta filmography. In the film, Travolta stars as George Malley, a soft-spoken mechanic living in a small California town. He's a sort of simpleton who simps for a single mom named Lace (Kyra Sedgwick) but doesn't expect to become anything beyond a decent dude fixing cars for a living. Turning thirty-seven and looking for fun, George’s buddies Nate (Forest Whitaker) and Doc (Robert Duvall) throw a party for him at the local pub. When the birthday boy heads out for some fresh air, George notices an odd light in the sky that subsequently comes crashing to earth and knocks him out. When he comes to, George soon discovers that he possesses some pretty incredible intellectual powers, and he soon finds himself absorbed in books, learning languages, inventing crap, and honing his telekinetic powers. The phenom quickly garners the love and support of his community as he works to make their lives better, but it's not long until the US Government comes poking around. Eventually we'll realize he has a brain tumor, and it's up to George to try and find a cure for himself. Mr. Man would love to tell you that the nudity in this one is mindblowing, but it's really not. All we get is Robert Duvall serving up a pleasing look at his beautiful behind as he sends John Travolta a birthday wish through a window. Happy Birthday to you! Time to blow....out the candles! You don't have to be brilliant to know that’s one Phenomenonal ass!