The Terminal (Widescreen Edition) (2004)

If anything, The Terminal (like Young Adam with Ewan McGregor) proves that an immensely talented star and American Everyman like Tom Hanks can rise above just about anything and make it worthwhile. His plight as the immigrant stuck in the airport terminal is alternately hilarious, touching, and so incredibly nuanced that you do - believe me on this - forget it's a megastar playing the role. Hanks plays the role with a Chaplinesque grace that compliments everyone around him, especially airport workers Diego Luna, Kumar Pallana, and Zoe Saldana. And the movie works...to a point. What I found most shocking about Terminal is that it really comes apart with the introduction of the plot strand involing Catherine Zeta-Jones' flight attendant. Her Amelia is a schlocky, As the World Turns-inspired piece of character writing that is too often contrived and sappy. And unconvincing at that - quite a feat considering Zeta-Jones is the most beautiful woman on the planet.

I don't really know what was going through the minds of writers Sacha Gervasi and Jeff Nathanson when they decided to throw this movie away in its final act. This movie has so much wistful charm it's easy to throw off the 'Amelia situation' and succeed, but the plot spotlight hits her too much near the end; and it gets so sappy. Ebert hails Spielberg as an American director who can make audiences cry without manipulation, but The Terminal becomes too noodging as one act of kindness after another guides the movie to its close. And I admired the film's aim for simplicity in its final tie of the plot strands (yes, this movie turns on a peanut canister), but as the credits rolled, I felt a vague feeling of dissatisfaction (a la A.I.).

It's difficult to really judge a movie like this. The charm, heart, and wit displayed in most of it is enough to keep it afloat despite some serious missteps, but let me take a minute and be unfair. This is a director who has helmed some of the most enduring works of American film...so why didn't he notice some the soap opera-ish writing and cheesiness that pops up too often in this film? I look toward the movie's faults more because I know they could have been fixed: Amelia could have been more believable, the movie could have left out some "awww" moments at the end, and it could have trimmed off about 10 minutes. Had The Terminal taken the time to match the perfection of the film's first half, it would have been one of the best movies of the year. I had such a great time for a while, and wanted to follow it to even greater things. Even now, though, it's a warm, engaging little comedy stuck in an overlong melodrama's body. GRADE: B

It has the crowd-drawing director, actor, actress, and a plot that would make anyone say, "how in the world?"

And for the most part, it lives up to it. Hanks is absolutely amazing in his role. I forgot it was him for the majority of the film, and though that should be par for the acting course, it's not for many actors. He loses himself as Victor, and he's not afraid to lay it out for his character. He changed his walk, stance, everything for Victor. It's the complete package, and Hanks never misses a beat.

Spielberg delivers what you expect: excellent directing. There are so many little touches in the background during the entire film that you sit and smile when you catch it, and when a scene comes off as completely coherent, you realize there was so much reinforcing what had occurred. The typical (of recent films anyway) Spielberg lighting comes into play frequently, and it makes for a lovely film. He got such a marvelous performance from Hanks and the rest of the cast...must be a really famous director, eh?

Catherine Zeta-Jones had a smaller role than I expected, but she still pulled a decent performance. I believed her, for the most part. A couple scenes, no, but for the most part.

The supporting cast of Victor's airport friends is marvelous. The chemistry between them and Hanks is great, even with Hanks not speaking English very well. I really like those characters, and the actors pulled it off brilliantly.

The script is good, dialogue believable, and story followable and lovable.

My only complaint with the film is that it seemed a little drawn out at points. It's about 2 hours, and I thought it could've been shorter. But the subplots keep you entertained, and you really grow to appreciate the characters. There are some fascinating character developments and studies in this one. You'll want to think when it's over, though you may not know what about.

"The Terminal" may not be what you expect; but it is a good film, with comedy throughout and some nice dramatic moments too. I recommend it. Enjoy Hanks' brilliant work!