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The Boy in the Plastic Bubble on DVD (1976)

The Boy in the Plastic Bubble cover art
Average rating: 45%
13201371
2.5
from 88 members
 
Starring: John Travolta, Glynnis O'Connor, Robert Reed, Diana Hyland, Buzz Aldrin
Director: Randal Kleister
Studio: PRISM LEISURE CORPORATION
Run time: 93 mins
Certificate: TBC
Genres: Drama
Languages: English
Released: 01/09/2001

Brief synopsis of The Boy in the Plastic Bubble

Based on actual case histories of people born without immunities, John Travolta plays such a boy who has grown up in a specially controlled isolation bubble...

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 3 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Based on actual events, this teleplay became part of another true-life tragedy when John Travolta's lover, Diana Hyland, who won an Emmy for her portrayal of his mother, died of cancer within a year of its release. The role of a teenager born with an acute immunity deficiency was something of a risk for Travolta, who was then cutting a dash as Vinnie Barbarino in the sitcom, Welcome Back, Kotter. But his combination of courage and vulnerability does him credit, while Randal Kleiser (who would direct him in Grease) avoids undue schmaltz in depicting his relationship with neighbour Glynnis O'Connor.

Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 2 starsNostalgia value

A customer from Derbyshire, England , 10/09/2005

This looks like an American made-for-TV movie and is only likely to appeal to you if (a) you enjoyed it when you were young, and/or (b) you are a big John Travolta fan. It's fun to see big star Travolta as a very young man. But unless you have a special reason for seeing this film, you're unlikely to be impressed - not least because the colour and sound quality have deteriorated and not been restored for DVD release.

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Rated - 4 starsEarly John Travolta

Caroline123 from Hertfordshire , 23/04/2005

This is a very seventies film; if you weren't around then you'll probably find this very dated. Nevertheless I found it tremendously enjoyable for three reasons.

1. This is typical John Travolta in his early, teenage roles, and it is clear why he was then cast in Saturday Night Fever and Grease. He's just so entertaining! Hes got this cocky, strutting mischievous teenage thing going on, yet aso does the sulky, pouting adolescent as well!

2. The premise of the boy having to grow up alienated from his peers, basically, is interesting as we all feel a bit different when we are at that awkward puberty age, we want to fit in, but are so scared of being laughed at. He can see all the other teenagers from his bedroom window and wants to join in...If you know poetry its the old lady from shalot story. So that why I rate it so highly although its not modern, slick and multi-faceted like todays cinematic offerings.

Oh yeah, No. 3, Paul Williams song is so romantic, really capturing the mood of being willing to take a chance with your life just to be able to live simply, riding horses with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face!

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Rated - 3 starsDouble edged sword of the autoimmune

J Todd from Aberdeen, Scotland [Highly rated reviewer] , 16/03/2008

Car crash TV - dont want to look, but we do. A must see for fans of deep-thought, biography, sociology, medicine, sci-fi philosophy, 'realism', and Travolta.

Problems: The physical quality of DVD is poor, origional 70's video quality (very poor)sound and picture. Very low budget production. Stunted dialogue & performances.

Plus: The facts and soul of this film trancsend any restrictions, i.e. Travolta gives his best ever performance, as a teen who is not allowed to have contact with teen girls, because it would cause his death! The way he plays it, you know this is real, someone really suffered deprivation for this story.

It is not said in film, but if you research base story (CH4 documentary available) you will find that origional protagonist was beaten by contamination (The real documentary is soulless, but seen with Travolta film, a whole knew level of understanding is unlocked).

Watch this film with the CH4 documentary, plus any ideas you get from your family members who are afflicted with autoimmune disease and you will be on your way to understanding the myre that the UK is sinking into. This film may be old & knackered, but it's poignant!

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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 3 starsDouble edged sword of the autoimmune

J Todd from Aberdeen, Scotland [Highly rated reviewer] , 16/03/2008

Car crash TV - dont want to look, but we do. A must see for fans of deep-thought, biography, sociology, medicine, sci-fi philosophy, 'realism', and Travolta.

Problems: The physical quality of DVD is poor, origional 70's video quality (very poor)sound and picture. Very low budget production. Stunted dialogue & performances.

Plus: The facts and soul of this film trancsend any restrictions, i.e. Travolta gives his best ever performance, as a teen who is not allowed to have contact with teen girls, because it would cause his death! The way he plays it, you know this is real, someone really suffered deprivation for this story.

It is not said in film, but if you research base story (CH4 documentary available) you will find that origional protagonist was beaten by contamination (The real documentary is soulless, but seen with Travolta film, a whole knew level of understanding is unlocked).

Watch this film with the CH4 documentary, plus any ideas you get from your family members who are afflicted with autoimmune disease and you will be on your way to understanding the myre that the UK is sinking into. This film may be old & knackered, but it's poignant!

Report offending content.

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