Watchable fantasy, good Hanks but flawed script

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 2009)

Spielberg directs this gentle fantasy of an immigrant stuck at a New York airport. The script doesn't fully work but Tom Hanks is very effective. He brings a vulnerability to the role as he gradually befriends everyone with his positive attitude. Catherine Zeta Jones is wasted in a brief role. Stanley Tucci is alright but his character doesn't entirely suit the whimsical nature of this film. Kumar Pallana is endearing as the gruff yet soft-hearted Gupta. The film's climax feels contrived, specially Hanks's reasons for visiting the US. Still its definitely worth a watch.
Overall 6/10