The Terminal Reviews

Not a terrible film by all means, but one where it is easy to see why it would polarise viewers (as evident in the user reviews here) and why there are those considering it a lesser Steven Spielberg film.

'The Terminal' is not Spielberg's worst film, to me 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park', '1941' and 'War of the Worlds' (which had a very good first half and completely fell apart halfway through and never recovered) are worse. Ranking it in his filmography, it is nowhere near close to being one of his best and while not rock-bottom to me it is lesser Spielberg.

Starting with 'The Terminal's' merits, the production values are top-notch and Spielberg regular Janusz Kaminski's cinematography is once again beautiful and a major plus. While not some of his best work, John Williams' score is pleasantly understated and slick without over-emphasising the mood.

Of the performances, which mostly are good, Tom Hanks makes a valiant effort in the title role and does an excellent job on the most part and Stanley Tucci clearly enjoys himself as Dixon. Hanks and Tucci's chemistry is where 'The Terminal' is particularly strong. The supporting cast are good, and Kumar Pallana is quite a scene-stealer (though the wet floor stuff does get over-used and repetitive).

'The Terminal' starts off well. The story is intriguing, there is a razor sharp satirical edge to some of the comedy and there is an affecting whimsy.

However, 'The Terminal' is hurt by the second half being nowhere near as interesting and Spielberg himself (regardless of his technical mastery) playing it too safe with a subject matter that should have been executed in the film more sharply and harshly. There is too much emphasis on the airport-terminal-as-microcosm-of-society angle and it just doesn't work because of how tentatively and safely the subject is approached.

Credibility rapidly decreases and gets increasingly strained and too often replaced by the sentimentality going into saccharine overload. Really could have done without the romantic subplot, that was not necessary, felt like thrown in padding and was completely underdeveloped and featured far too much. The lack of chemistry between Hanks and Catherine Zeta Jones doesn't help, nor does despite her beauty Zeta Jones being so bland in a role that gives her practically nothing to do. The characters are also far too neatly black and white with stereotypes that won't bode, and actually hasn't boded, well with some.

Overall, wildly uneven that had potential to be good but doesn't ever fully convince. 5/10 Bethany Cox

I already saw this movie but since it was a while back and since it was available on Netflix, I thought I might as well check it out again. To be honest, the more I think about this movie, the more I believe I should lower my rating. The point is that it was actually based on an interesting true story but I'm not sure if it was enough material to fill in 2 hours of running time. On top of that, Spielberg decided to turn into some kind of modern fairy tale and, even though it still worked, the end-result was hardly a home-run. Eventually, it was a minor effort from Steven Spielberg, one of those movies he makes like ‘Always’ to fill in the gaps between his more ambitious projects (for example, after that, he would direct ‘War of the Worlds’ which wasn’t really amazing either but, at least, it was a massive blockbuster). At least, Tom Hanks gave a really solid performance but, eventually, it would have been more rewarding if they had taken some risks, something I very often miss in Spielberg’s movies. Still, I had a good time watching it and even though it was obviously a minor effort, I still think it is worth a look, especially if you are interested in Steven Spielberg’s work.

Sometimes, there are films that make me wonder why I even bother to watch cinema. I show respect to the picture by sitting quietly in front of it, allowing it to plead its case to me, and all who choose to watch. We hear its argument, and can then deduce whether the film is worth seeing again, or worth recommending to others. In the case of a film like Nacho Libre (for example), I am disgusted by the entire affair, and I wonder if watching movies and taking the time to critique them is even worth it. But ultimately, it is absolutely worth it. Because, for every Nacho Libre or The Amazing Spider-Man 2, I get to talk about a film like The Terminal, in hopes that I might persuade another person to sit down, and listen to its case.

Viktor Navorski is visiting New York, but unfortunately, due to political and bureaucratic mumbo jumbo, he is forced to remain in the airport for an indefinite amount of time. Over the course of his stay, the curiosities of both the airport and America unfold before him.

The Terminal is the embodiment of great cinema. Everything that I love about film, music, and art (none of which, are mutually exclusive, mind you) is contained in this film. It is moving. It is funny. It is sweet. It is warm. It is sad. It is happy. It ISN'T perfect. But it's so wonderful, that perfection hardly matters at all. The Terminal defies genre labels. It has a slice of everything.

A large part of The Terminal's success is found in the main character, Viktor Navorski. He is almost unnaturally innocent, and at the beginning of the film, understands nothing about America. He can barely speak any English, and he is confused by everything he sees. But his kind-hearted nature makes him immediately likable. One might argue that the script is somewhat disrespectful to Russians, as it seems Viktor is a tad primitive (he runs into a glass wall at one point). And yet, the character itself is so likable, that it is hard to actively find fault with one of Viktor's endearing personality traits.

One could accuse the film of being somewhat aimless. Indeed, the plot is a bit thin. But the concept is so charming, and the movie so entertaining, that this flaw doesn't even register until the film is over. The Terminal fills the audience with an almost aching sense of happiness, and I honestly could have stayed in this film, in that airport, for significantly longer than the 2 hour run time allots.

The cast is terrific. Tom Hanks provides a stunningly marvelous performance in the lead. It exceeds mere excellence. He becomes Viktor. His performance walks a fine line between being overly cutesy or frantically cloying. The character and performance are one, resulting in a genuine and touching lead.

The supporting cast is charming. Various highlights include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chi McBride, Diego Luna, Barry Shabaka Henley, Kumar Pallana, and Stanley Tucci (though his character is essentially reduced to a cartoon over the course of the film).

John William's score bears some resemblance to his work in Catch Me If You Can (perhaps appropriate considering this films many parallels to that one), but I personally think that this is the stronger work. With a deliciously fun (and slightly mischievous) accordion theme, as well as a multitude of other beautiful themes, John William's work here is equal to the picture itself.

I laughed, I cried, and I left wanting more. The Terminal isn't a perfect film, but it's a masterpiece in its own right. It makes the airport into a whimsical, foreign place, and creates characters that will stay with you long after the end credits. What more can I ask from a film that delivers in every single aspect? The Terminal is one of the most satisfying and entertaining films I've had the pleasure of seeing. It's a feel good movie that truly does make you feel good.

Viktor Navorski, a contract worker from the fictional Krakhozia is stuck at the JFK Airport because his country is at war and the government has fallen, thus making Viktor a "man without a country".

If you were to take this in a Dante-esque manner, then Viktor is stuck in a Limbo, with Dixon playing the role of the Devil and Amelia as a Saint, his Beatrice even. New York, to Viktor is Heaven, his Krakhozia is Hell, if just for 9 months, and the JFK Airport is Purgatory, with Mulroy, Gupta and Enrique being the unfortunate souls, as well as his Guides.

So, with that said, The Terminal is, as of yet, Spielberg's last great directed film, although his upcoming Lincoln looks very promising and is likely to break his bad-luck chain. Anyway, since Tom Hanks had previously worked with Spielberg before on Saving Private Ryan, the chemistry and comfortability between the two was obvious. Both understood each other and maxed out their talents. However, I do have one qualm: Viktor never does at any time act like a stranger in a strange land. If he does, then only in the first 20-or-so minutes. Basically Viktor is more of a above-age, foreign version of Forrest Gump, or at least that's how it felt to me. Had he been an escapee or retard of some sort, his character would've been more believable. Then we have Amelia Warren, a wrong character stumbled in the wrong film. Amelia was so out of tune from the movie, totally detached to everything around her and nothing the character said, or did, was convincing.

I mean, the story is simple, the ending is very heart-warming and few scenes require repeated rewinds, (alliterative sentences are one of my specialties) but the method of execution of the film wasn't up to mark. It was like they had the right cemetery, but were digging the wrong grave.

Anyway, from the performances, Tom Hanks, as ever, was brilliant and A+ in his role as Viktor Navorski. A standing ovation to his tackling of the character. Stanley Tucci is one of those actors that you see less, but what you see may, or may not, leave an impression on you - good or OK, but never bad. He also handled his character Dixon in an impressive manner, although more screen-time could've been better. The supporting were also good, but most have done better roles like Zoe Saldana and Catherine Zeta Jones. The minor cast were just OK, nothing exceptional.

In all, The Terminal is a good movie but may not play to your expectations.

6.5/10

A man from the fictionalized country of Krakozhia is indefinitely stuck at New York's JFK airport terminal after his passport is revoked when a military coup takes over the leadership of his country while he's in the air. Essentially "in limbo" for the period of the film, we follow the man around as he tries to make due under the very odd circumstances. Somewhat based on a true story.

I enjoyed watching this movie, liked it a lot, 2 hrs entertainment pack.

wow what an original idea - kind of read the right up and think - can this work. Answers - yep - works well. Hanks is excellent and to be honest gels the whole film together - really good flick.

''Ever feel like you're living in an airport?''

An eastern immigrant finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there.

Tom Hanks: Viktor Navorski

One of the wonders of Steven Spielberg is that he can take a story, in this case written by Andrew Niccol and Sacha Gervasi. Combined with a wittily conceived Screenplay from Sacha Gervasi and Jeff Nathanson, inspired by a true story, and set in a unique place with whimsical circumstances, surrounding a likeable character. Spielberg gives us his offering for 2004; The simple yet sweet The Terminal with Tom Hanks reprising an isolated role not seen since Zemeckis's Cast Away in 2000. The Terminal is distantly similar and loveable in it's own right courtesy movie magic provided by Steven Spielberg.



The Terminal boasts a talented yet humbling array of characters thanks to it's clever casting and aspiring choices.
Tom Hanks plays the protagonist and hero Viktor Navorski, a man from Krakozhia, a country with war brewing and newly acquired social problems, yet thanks to unlucky circumstances Viktor becomes trapped at a terminal as he tries to enter New York for a personal venture concerning a family motive.
Thus he meets an assemble of characters as what turns into a simple waiting procedure becomes a sixth month slog stuck in isolation...
Stanley Tucci plays the newly promoted dick Commissioner Frank Dixon, the guy whom audiences love to hate, and Tucci pulls it off effortlessly. Sometimes following the rules isn't the way you help people, or make friends.
Catherine Zeta-Jones also appears to give us a love interest for Hanks, yet what turns out to be a potential love proves to be a 39 year old gorgeous woman with no brain regarding the right man for her. She waits for a married man to come to her in a deluded sense, something which isn't going to happen. Quite honestly and many may agree, Victor is just too good for her. Amelia Warren whom Zeta-Jones plays is a character who has a choice but fails to make the right one, which is sad in it's own personal way.
Chi McBride, Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Barry Shabaka Henley, Kumar Pallana...All prove to be invaluable cast additions and really provide the support Hanks needs. Tom Hanks doesn't necessarily need support but his character in his lonely sort of prison does. Viktor, is a man whom is friendly, skilful, and invaluable in terms of honesty and being resolutely good. He is inspiring and that is what everyone is drawn to as they realise his predicament.

''Eat to bite... bite to eat, bite to eat, bite to eat, bitetoeat bitetoeat bitetoeatbitetoeatbitetoeatbitetoeat...''

The Terminal sometimes feels like John Williams, behind most Spielberg projects, has been watching Chocolat all day. It's quirky and addictive in it's own simple way, where people skip and re-choice in it's gentle melody.
In fact it has a sort of Jewish aura surrounding it's vibrant conception which helps warm audiences and indeed warm their hearts with joyful vibrance.
Another aspect The Terminal overjoys us film-lovers with and indeed shows Spielberg's homages in little offerings, is the references he makes to other classic cult films and TV series. When you see a swordfish prop hanging up in Mulray's office, Spielberg is making a sly nod towards Polanski's Chinatown. Saldana's INS agent is a "trekkie", and claims to go to conventions dressed as Yeoman Rand, which ironically later she appears in the reboot Star Trek. Friends, The Outer Limits, and The Twilight Zone also get brief nods.

Overall, The Terminal is a loving story portraying a man's struggle towards something so simple. His right to visit a place and fulfil a father's last wish and promise concerning a signature and a certain Jazz player.
It's wonderful to watch a film which shows humanity and creative shining through rather than stereotypical meanderings. Nothing portrayed is squandered, some scenes, focus upon humour while others border on serious but for never too long. This is a realistic film yet it's also a feel good venture for audiences and us to warm to.
In fact, The Terminal is one you can watch upon numerous occasions and never tire from it's straight forward story and glimmering message regarding hope. The meticulous constraint and relentless parody of a man never losing sight of overcoming another man whom is out of touch with anything outside the rulebook. Human nature, numbers, paper-work, and moral obligations do not always mix. In fact slight echoes of our World becoming reminiscent of Gilliam's Brazil come to mind, obviously not in an extreme sense but one where paper becomes more important than the individual.

The Terminal may not be Spielberg's best, or Tom Hanks best although he does a very convincing accent, but it sure is a worth-while watch that will keep you enthralled start till finish, with characters whom are memorable and lovable in equal measures.

''I am going home.''

The Terminal is one of those films that you will either love or hate because of the story and the characters within it. As far as I'm concerned, I absolutely loved The Terminal and I have been criticised of why I love it but I can't help but feel that way about it. It is a really funny, dramatic and love story that is really heartwarming. It is a rather weird film as well because a man ends up stranded at an airport and is forced to live there until he can get to where he wants to go to. This is a film that is just for entertainment particularly for an evening like a Saturday night or something. I don't completely know why I love this film, I just do. This is an extremely underrated work not only from Tom Hanks but from Steven Spielberg and Catherine Zeta-Jones too. I remember watching this on TV on Boxing Day 2007 and it became a real treasured film to me that I enjoyed from start to finish. The Terminal is a film experience that will take you on an adventure beyond any other I've ever seen.


Tom Hanks' performance as Victor Navorski actually surprised me. Obviously Tom is my favourite actor and has delivered top notch performances every time but this one is one that I was predicting I would be disappointed by but I was wrong. He was actually really good. Victor is a middle aged eastern European man who is travelling to New York City but because of his foreign culture and that he doesn't have any rights regarding paper work and he has to stay at the airport until he can become free and can leave the airport. So when there he has to make a living by making himself a little house, a bed and eating at the restaurants in the airport. Hanks' performance is another very different performance but he didn't disappoint me at all. The closest similar character Victor is to any other Tom Hanks character is Chuck Roland in Cast Away because he is stranded as well except that's on an island whereas Victor is inside an airport. I thought his eastern European accent was pretty funny in some moments. I wouldn't call it hilarious but one that has a few light laughs. Catherine Zeta-Jones was good as well as Amelia Warren. Amelia is making her way through the airport by travelling with her lover and when she meets Victor they start to become close to each other and slowly become more than friends as the time gradually goes on. It isn't the best combination in the world and it isn't the worst either.


To me, The Terminal makes it feel like Steven Spielberg is taking a bit of a break from making Oscar winning masterpieces such as Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, E.T. and Indiana Jones. I think The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can, War Of The Worlds and Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull are the modern day Steven Spielberg films that are just for entertainment. Spielberg goes from epic dramas like Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan to a romantic comedy like The Terminal. As I said, The Terminal is Spielberg's most underrated film to date and that he didn't earn very much credit for his work.


This is Steven Spielberg's sixth best film after Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, E.T., Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The lost Ark and Jaws. The Terminal is Tom Hanks' fifth best performance as well after Forrest Gump, The Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan and Cast Away. This is the latest Tom Hanks-Steven Spielberg collaboration and The Terminal is the second best after Saving Private Ryan. The Terminal is a fun entertaining piece of filmmaking that I absolutely loved from start to finish. To me, it is a masterpiece and I have had people ask me why I say that but can't help but love it. It is a very regular piece of entertainment!!