Most people have a hard time waiting 10-minutes for a flight. A & E's entertaining TV show "Airline" proves that. Then you have people who just take whatever is put in front of them and just deal with it. That's the basis for "The Terminal," a great little character study about one man facing one of the most awkward situations of his life.
Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) arrives in the JFK Airport with the goal of visiting New York City. Upon arrival, he learns his country of Krakozhia has been disbanded and he's now a refugee trapped in the US. Actually, he's trapped inside the airport. Not allowed to step outside onto American soil, he makes himself at home and begins to wait for the time when he is allowed to finish his trip.
Tom Hanks creates what is easily his best character in "The Terminal," a kind, gentle, and actually lovable guy who just wants to make it inside the city. He just does not understand why he can't, but never really seems to mind all the turmoil. You can almost imagine him being perfectly content staying right where he is and just making the most out of it.
Other characters don't work so well. Stanley Tucci plays the head of security, Frank Dixon, and seems to constantly be changing his mind as to what to do with this new resident. One minute he seems ready to let Viktor leave through a loophole, the next he does everything by the book. His performance is fine; it's just a very confusing part for the audience. The same can be said for Navorski's love interest, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. She doesn't seem to have a brain cell left in her head.
The script is otherwise strongly written (based of a true story), especially the way Navorski figures out ways to survive. Constantly challenged, his creative methods equal great entertainment. Though he is completely lost and his homeland is in total turmoil, he just goes about his business, doing what he needs to do.
Yes, the movie does become sappy and maybe even a little cheesy towards the end, but you'll come out with a smile regardless. Most of the confusing aspects can easily be ignored once you've become sucked into the story and you probably won't even have time to dissect this one too deep. If you can take it for what it is, this will provide two great hours of entertainment. (**** out of *****)
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Article comments
1 - Bill Lamb
Good review. "The Terminal" is one of my favorite small movies of the year. It's not a stunning classic, but it is a pleasurable two hours. Climb into the movie world of make-believe and leave behind your expectations of whether it could really happen or not and you will believe Tom Hanks as an Eastern European man who just wants to go home.
2 - Aaman
The most winning side character is the Indian attendant - "Do you have an appointment?"
3 - Lono
ok - I have to admit I skipped most of the above because I haven't seen it yet. It is coming in my Netflix in about two movies. I wanted to say that Tom Hanks is the greatest, and I feel confident that anything he commits himself to will be great. I think that Forrest Gump is the greatest acting job in history.
So, I will watch and come back next week to pipe in.
Thanks,
lono
4 - Eric
The Indian character is awesome. His last words as he raises his hands in the air with guns pointed at him "Do you have an appointment?" haha. Love it.
5 - Bright Teye
please kindly send me some of your iterms. [Personal contact info deleted]
6 - kelvin
i will love to purchase the product,how can that be possoble