The Phenom (2016)

The Phenom: Directed by Noah Buschel. With Johnny Simmons, Ethan Hawke, Paul Giamatti, Sophie Kennedy Clark. A rookie pitcher undergoes psychotherapy to overcome the yips.

“I probably wouldnu0026#39;t have lasted through this – had one of my favourite AFL players not recently retired at just age 23, citing mental health issues. There are definitely some parallels here.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBeyond that, u0026quot;The Phenomu0026quot; is a frustrating film to watch.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eEthan Hawke successfully portrays one of the most unlikeable guys Iu0026#39;ve seen on film in ages.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003ePaul Giamatti also puts in a great performance as a sports psychologist. The back and forward emotional banter between Giamatti and Simmons is in a very similar vein to that of Damon and Williams in u0026quot;Good Will Huntingu0026quot; – just without the Oscar-worthiness.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eJohnny Simmons is convincing as the somewhat of an asshole but emotionally vulnerable sports star.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNone of it seemed to tie together though and the film just went nowhere. It never succeeded as anything more than being a fly-on-the-wall look at a young talented sportsman with emotional difficulties. I also agree with many other viewers, that found the ending abrupt and poorly written.”