Great acting and convincing script. The musical score is well done. The ending is moving. The father realizes his son loves him despite his bad parenting.

GLASS CHIN, the film Noah Buschel made prior to this one, is a fantastic movie. THE PHENOM is good -- quirky, quaint, and worth the trouble -- but has nowhere near the depth. Also, Ethan Hawke is miscast as the criminal absent father (Michael Madsen would have been a better choice). Nonetheless, the final scene is a winner. Beware though, this is not a sports movie; it is even less of sports movie than GLASS CHIN was about boxing.

Ethan Hawke is a fine actor..he seems to choose some very diversified films to be part of, perhaps its his way of growing as an actor?. This film is extremely slow, and NOT what you may think it is. Its a very deep personal story of depression and dealing with it, so dont expect a sports story. I can't really recommend it on my viewing as it did not hold my attention.

Is true, the acting, maybe due to an inexperienced director or a cut budget, stress on the... whatever, HOWEVER, has its good points. One scene is almost too well done- well acted that is, but it's verbal bullying and putdowns bordering on violence that goes on and on and on. How to survive that kind of stuff is what this is about.

I really enjoyed this movie - Ethan Hawke is a tremendous actor and his character in this film was so believable - this was a great film - you will enjoy it too -

Phenomenally terrible !! Some pretty good acting..at times, by the three main characters...but even the "adequate" acting performances, and "stars" don't give this film ANY reason to be viewed !!

If you liked Whiplash (Miles Teller and JK Simmons), you'll like this also: a father and son sad, disturbing, well-acted drama. Kudos to Ethan Hawke and Johnny Simmons.