The Terminal (2004)

The Terminal is a charming comedy drama by Steven Spielberg starring Tom Hanks as a man stranded in New York's JFK international for 9 months. He befriends many people much to the disdain of the officials of the airport played excellently by Stanley Tucci. The film is charming and Tom Hanks plays a hapless yet endearing man rather well- as he has done for so many years. Spielberg's direction is impeccable, it is amazing to think he can switch from big budget spectacles to dramas so effortlessly. The Terminal is an absolute must watch for fans of Spielberg or Hanks or good films in general.

THE TERMINAL is an example of Steven Spielberg at his most average as a filmmaker. This is a massive-budgeted production that features Tom Hanks delivering a typically pitch perfect performance as a likeable immigrant stuck at an airport, of all places, and yet compared to Spielberg's best work this is insignificant and ultimately hollow. There are a lot of light laughs en route to the climax, and some well judged supporting roles, but THE TERMINAL also has some serious flaws. A wooden Catherine Zeta-Jones as the shoehorned-in love interest is one of them, and Stanley Tucci's antagonist couldn't get any more bland if he tried. My advice is to watch this if you're a Hanks fan, but otherwise skip it.

The whole premesis of the movie is hard to believe. Yes, it may be loosley based on a true story, but from the very begining the film is not logical. They tell Vicktor that his country is having a civil war and his visa is no longer valid. First point:- he is the ONLY one who arrived to the USA from that country??? Second point:- Homeland security knowing that Vicktor does not understand english, just carry on talking to him and make no attempt whatsoever to try and get an interpretor, or even make him understand...what a load of crock. Spielberg and Hanks then make the character of Vicktor as some eastern european Forrest Gump. He talks and acts like there is something wrong with him. As for Catherine Zeta-Jones....a woman that beautiful is going to fall for a guy who is scruffy, and speaks like that???? do me a favour. All totally unbelievable. Not good and not funny. The two stars are for the airport.

This film is funny, genuine, honest and even inspirational at times. I even liked it better than Forest Gump! Tom Hanks even has the foreign accent perfected that I never felt he was just acting. It portrays a scene from many frequent fliers life where you are delayed for hours and you have nothing to do! In Victor's case, it is not hours but days and maybe even months. So, he figures out the "little things" in the airport! He was genuine and honest (except for the "goat" part) and funny all throughout. This is a well-scripted, well-played movie and a must watch even if you don't like Tom Hanks (although I can't believe why you wouldn't!)