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Is Anybody There?

2009

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 19 Critic Reviews

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54

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Ratings

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7.8

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7.8	Your Score
7.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Ratings

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Is Anybody There?

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Is Anybody There?

Movie Details & Credits

Stony Island Entertainment | Release Date: April 17, 2009 | PG-13

Starring: Bill Milner, Michael Caine

Summary: Christmas 1987 marks the one-year anniversary of Lark Hall’s opening for business as an old age home in an English seaside town. But ten-year-old Edward isn’t much in the mood to celebrate. He has had to give up his room; and his Mum and Dad don’t have as much time for him as they used to, overwhelmed as they are with the day-to-dayChristmas 1987 marks the one-year anniversary of Lark Hall’s opening for business as an old age home in an English seaside town. But ten-year-old Edward isn’t much in the mood to celebrate. He has had to give up his room; and his Mum and Dad don’t have as much time for him as they used to, overwhelmed as they are with the day-to-day management of the home and the struggle to stave off financial ruin. On the other hand, living in an old folks’ home offers a curious, clever child like Edward the chance to explore what, exactly, comes after death. And went a retired magician moves into the home, Edward shows him to believe in magic again. (Big Beach)… Expand

Director: John Crowley

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 94 min

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Metascore

Critic Reviews

90

Los Angeles Times

Betsy Sharkey

It is also hard not to see remnants of a younger Michael Caine -- beautifully seductive and enigmatic all those years ago in "Alfie." He has said his wife cried when she saw the performance; you understand why. Read full review

80

Chicago Reader

J.R. Jones

The sentimentality is held in check by Caine, who rises to the occasion with a bleak, angry performance. Read full review

75

Portland Oregonian

Marc Mohan

A kid-meets-curmudgeon comedy that transcends its formulaic skeleton thanks both to the veteran actor's charm and a smarter-than-average screenplay. Read full review

60

New York Daily News

Joe Neumaier

More deft than it first appears, director John Crowley's gentle-but-not-sappy drama features another late-day masterpiece-in-miniature from Michael Caine. Read full review

50

The A.V. Club

Tasha Robinson

The script is always shakier than the performers trying to bring it across, and by the third act, it lets them down completely. Read full review

50

San Francisco Chronicle

Walter Addiego

Requires us to repress any thoughts about stale material and keep Caine's heartfelt performance front and center. Read full review

30

Village Voice

Nicolas Rapold

Even Crowley, who seems to have a knack with overloaded material, can't quite bring the thing in for a safe landing in all the slush. Read full review

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User Reviews

10

TassiaB

May 1, 2009

This movie is the whole package. Go for the gallow's humor, stay for the emotional payoff. You won't regret it!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

danm

May 3, 2009

Although this movie has some cliches, it also has some fine acting and an uplifting underlying spirit . The bittersweet ending is especially well done. This is Caine's movie and it shows his magnificent range.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

DawdlingPoet

Nov 20, 2021

This is a touching, amusing and sad watch. I really liked the interaction between Michael Caines character and the young boy. I could understand things from both peoples points of view and I could certainly relate to the boys frustrations and isolation.

Its a bit of a weepy type watch atThis is a touching, amusing and sad watch. I really liked the interaction between Michael Caines character and the young boy. I could understand things from both peoples points of view and I could certainly relate to the boys frustrations and isolation.

Its a bit of a weepy type watch at times but it definitely has at least a hint of typical British dark humour, which I liked. It is definitely sentimental but it doesn't shy away from issues relating to old age. This film really appealed to me.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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