A Breath Of Fresh Air

Rating: Null/10 (20 June 2004)

I had my doubts when I went to see this movie. Come on I thought, how exciting could a flick that has the title "The Terminal" be? What could possibly happen inside that terminal in the space of two hours to pry the story from the hands of inescapable mediocrity.
Well, I must admit I was wrong. Granted the premise of the plot is somewhat weak -- Viktor Novorski (Tom Hanks) ends up being stuck at an airport terminal for a few months while civil war rages in his native Krakozia (Bulgaria). That little detail aside, everything from the powerful story line, to the spectacular acting by the entire cast without the help of fancy special effects or eye-catching scenery, works together to create a monumental movie.
There were so many powerful themes intertwined throughout the story. One of them is that any human being, no matter how normal, when put into a strange environment, would seem weird and out of their element.
The other, is pretty groundbreaking -- that always following the rules is not necessarily the same as doing the right thing, or doing good.
The strength and uniqueness of the movie comes from the fact that somehow Spielberg and Hanks manage to convey these powerful ideas [and many others] through the eyes of Viktor Novorski -- a man who barely speaks English.
I rate the storyline a "B+", and award an "A+" to Acting, Direction and Visuals (there was no need to use special effects to make up for a weak story or acting). Overall, even though Ngorski didn't bag the babe, I still give the movie an "A+". The last time I saw anything in the same league was "Good Will Hunting".