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Michael Caine, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey, Rosemary Harris, Elizabeth Spriggs ... see more see more... , Bill Milner , Leslie Phillips , Peter Vaughan , Linzey Cocker , Michael Keogh , Ralph Ineson , Sylvia Syms , Garick Hagon , Miles Jupp , Thelma Barlow , Ralph Riach , Angie Inwards , Carl McCrystal , Andrew J. Turner , Oliver Leach , David Rintoul , Tommy Baxendale , Adam Drinkall , Edward Lees

Boy A director John Crowley followed up that award-winning film festival favorite with this eerie yet eloquent drama concerning a young boy fascinated by death due to the fact that he lives in the hos... read more read more...pice home for the elderly that's owned by his parents. Perhaps due to the morose surroundings in which he was raised, wide-eyed Edward (Son of Rambow star Bill Milner) possesses both an acute sense of death and an obsessive desire to find out what happens after we pass on from this life. These interests are most noticeably evident in Edward's ongoing fascination with the paranormal, an obsession that his overworked parents merely tolerate as the curious boy makes his way around the hospice with a tape recorder determined to better understand the concept of mortality. Suddenly, into Edward's world rolls embittered, burned-out ex-magician Clarence (Michael Caine) -- who makes no attempts to hide the fact that he's not in the hospice by his own free will. Clarence has long since ceased to practice his trade, and no longer possesses the ability to recognize anything positive in either his surroundings or the people who inhabit them. He's irascible, ornery, and indignant, and he's just barely able to tolerate the young boy who's so interested in the one topic that plagues his thoughts most -- death. Before long, however, these two outsiders discover that their mutual need to make sense of the world means they have more in common than initial appearances would suggest. Soon embarking on a series of comic misadventures that help them both to better understand the many mysteries of life, Edward and Clarence form an unlikely bond that provides them both with the comfort they so desperately need during this uncertain stage in each of their lives. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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52% liked it

5,471 ratings

Critics

65% liked it

113 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 34 min.

Directed by: Jon Crowley

Release Date: April 17, 2009

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DVD Release Date: November 17, 2009

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Flixster Reviews (435)

  • StarCrossedVoyager
    October 22, 2011
    StarCrossedVoyager
    A brilliantly profound yet sad film with a great cast. It truly touched me and although the story was fairly predictable it was Caine that made the character. Despite his bad actions you still felt for him as he was genuinely sorry for what he did. The themes they explored were d... read moreifficult to watch. Incredibly sad and I think I'll only watch it if I feel sad already.
  • hunterjt13
    February 23, 2011
    hunterjt13
    A ten-year-old boy growing up in a nursing home run by his parents questions the great mysteries of life and death with the help of a kindly, though troubled, resident.
    I read multiple reviews of this film describing it as "little," or otherwise diminutive, but just because it is... read more an independent film, I don't think it's not ambitious. In fact, I almost think that the inclusion of themes of death, redemption, loss, memory, and troubled childhood makes this film too ambitious, as though it might have bitten off more than it can chew. However, Jon Crowley's direction provides a sturdy hand to a potentially unsteady ship. It occasionally wanders into a side plot, but Crowley makes every effort to keep us primarily interested in the boy's journey rather than the supporting characters'.
    The film's highlight is Michael Caine's performance. He is amazing as the sometimes bitter, sometimes regretful, sometimes entertaining aging resident. Caine's tears seem as natural as his charm, and he once again proves that he can bring his A-game to a script that properly utilizes his talents.
    Overall, Is Anybody There may wander and may push the envelope too far, but it is ultimately worth watching.
  • sanjurosamurai
    March 12, 2010
    sanjurosamurai
    a movie about life. sadly, this is destined to be the underwatched and underappreciated film of 2009. caine is brilliant as always, and the texture and mood of the film is developed so well by the music and camera work that i was completely drawn in to the story. the story its... read moreelf is beautiful. in just 90 minutes we see complex and deep portraits of the lives of an 11 year old boy, a married couple in their late thirties, and a man in his eighties on his way out of this life. in hitting all generations effectively, anyone of any age can relate to the film, and i found myself actually relating to each of the characters, not just the ones in my age group. an excellent screenplay that blended humor and drama and overall a perfect movie.
  • LWOODS04
    February 17, 2010
    LWOODS04
    Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey

    DIRECTED BY: Jon Crowley

    Set in 1980's seaside England, this story is about a boy named Edward who's home has been turned into a nursing home. He is obsessed with death, the afterlife, and ghosts. He spends his ti... read moreme tape recording the elderly people hoping to try and figure out what happens to them when they die. Edward is an outcast and spends his time alone researching the after life. But when Clarence comes along Edward starts to come out of his shell a bit. Clarence is a retired magician who is bitter about the life he has lived because of all the mistakes he has made and the regrets he has.
    I really liked this movie. Thought is was an honest look at life. How were out there living it one moment, then how were watching it slowly slip away. This film gives us a little lesson about living for the moment and not letting our past regrets be our future regrets. To not let our past dictate our future.
    This movie is a drama but it has it's humorous moments as well. I also liked how they portrayed the elderly people. Not weak, still feisty and I really liked the vulgar talking one. Especially the scene with him and the priest. So funny.
    Michael Caine does an amazing job at portraying Clarence. He is funny but yet really pulls at your heart strings. He really brings his character alive by the pain and confusion he is feeling. Bill Milner did an amazing job as well. Just a good film.
  • neverteaseaweasel
    December 11, 2009
    neverteaseaweasel
    I was slightly fasinated and mildly irritated all the way through this, so it was definately not a winner for me. Even at a mere 90 minutes it seemed like it lasted forever. I really do not like to be so negative, but Is Anybody There? just did not win me over. Its whimsical yet ... read morepretty deadpan. We see confused and disatified people from all walks of live; but the only character I really felt any empathy towards was the mother-I do not remember who the actress was. There are also some mild macabre touches, something I would usually adore. The is pleanty of base material to create something great, but Is Anybody There? is just mediocre. Its not Bad at all, it just isn't Good. So, watch if you want, skip it if you like. Either way you have not gained or lost anything at all.
  • gor41
    December 6, 2009
    gor41
    Slight, nostalgic tale from the Eighties about dealing with grief, with strong central performances from Caine and Milner as the outsiders who tussle then bond. But herein lies its problem, as it feels well worn and predictable. Enjoyable if underwhelming.
  • gator681
    November 4, 2010
    gator681
    Normally, ten-year old Edward's(Bill Milner) fascination with death might seem a little creepy but then his parents(Anne-Marie Duff & David Morrissey) do run a mom and pop rest home where he has seen plenty of people die. Edward gets too close a look at the grim reaper one day w... read morehen he is almost run over by Clarence(Michael Caine), a retired and bitter magician, who has come to stay. Although, maybe not for long as he tries to check out early via carbon monoxide but Edward saves his life.

    "Is Anybody There?" is a passable movie that handles its difficult topic well in an offbeat fashion. And the performances by the principal actors especially Michael Caine, who is almost always a treat to watch, and Anne-Marie Duff are excellent. On the other hand, the tone is uneven and an extraneous subplot involving the father takes up too much time. And a person losing his mind should never be considered funny.
  • lesleyanorton
    February 5, 2010
    lesleyanorton
    One of those films you know is going to end up in the Odeon Silver screen slot (free tea and biscuits supplied). Michael Caine arrives at an old peoples care home with a memory in decline, a heart full of regrets, and a van full of magic tricks. A bitty story, but a fitting perfo... read morermance from Mr Caine as the irrascible and incorrigible pensioner . Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; rage, rage against the dying of the light...
  • chrismid259
    November 20, 2009
    chrismid259
    Is Anybody There? is the only film in quite some time that is completely predictable, yet fully enjoyable.
  • mingsysar
    May 3, 2009
    mingsysar
    My answer would be no. This is a slight film, with little characterisation, almost no plot and a very weird tone. It is overly morose with tiny bursts of black humour. However the acting is superb, with Duff and Morrissey working hard to make do with the small roles, but especial... read morely from Milner (from Son of Rambow, shameless plugging here, but it does serve as a companion piece as both films star the same actor, with characters living in an old peoples' home and set in the 80's) and Caine. If Caine got an Oscar for a very similar part in the Cider House Rules he should get some awards for this film.

View All Is Anybody There? Reviews

Critic Reviews

Rob Nelson
September 1, 2009
Rob Nelson, Variety

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

Michael Rechtshaffen
May 15, 2009
Michael Rechtshaffen, Hollywood Reporter

Michael Caine raises this odd-couple comedy to highly agreeable levels.

Liam Lacey
May 15, 2009
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

The bravura acting is unsupported by a script that's content to settle for the dramatic equivalent of English comfort food, with moments of pathos and whimsy doled out like spoonfuls of dough and trea... Full Review

J. R. Jones
May 15, 2009
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

[A] funny and moving drama about the mysteries of the grave. Full Review

Bruce Demara
May 15, 2009
Bruce Demara, Toronto Star

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

Roger Moore
May 13, 2009
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

Occasionally wistful, often melancholy but always charming. Full Review

Tom Long
May 8, 2009
Tom Long, Detroit News

The result is a film that's funny, sad and oddly brave. Full Review

Colin Covert
May 1, 2009
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

The story flirts with sticky sentimentality but never quite falls into the trap, thanks to Caine's masterful presence. Full Review

Steven Rea
May 1, 2009
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Caine moves through the less-than-surprising story line, shaking things up not with an actorly flamboyance but with a heartbreaking sense of quiet tragedy and regret. Full Review

Philip Kennicott
April 30, 2009
Philip Kennicott, Washington Post

Caine is magnificent, and the film is worth a look for his contribution alone. Full Review

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  • "Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see?" What movie contains this quote?  Answer »
  • What Movie is this Quote from? "Oh no, I've got no respect for anybody who was born lazy. That's like being born a king. They didn't do anything to get there. Oh, I had to develop it. Took me a long time to get where I am."   Answer »
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