Exhibits the heart and spirit of a smart independent film.

Rating: 10/10 (23 June 2004)

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Terminal is the story of a son's pledge to his father. Victor Navorski [Tom Hanks] deplanes at Kennedy Airport from his Eastern European home of Krakozia with a suitcase and a Planters Peanut can. He finds that---while in transit---his government has been overthrown and his passport is invalid.
Officer Frank Dixon [Stanley Tucci] explains to Victor that he's only temporarily trapped in US Immigration hell. Frank gives Victor a fist full of food vouchers, a pager so he can be reached, and turns him loose in the airport 'transit lounge', a giant shopping center with a food court. A man without a country, Victor speaks no English, has no money or friends, and doesn't understand the 'system'; but he's far from stupid. Hours pass into days and weeks, and Victor sets up housekeeping at Gate 67, an unused part of the terminal under renovation. He sets about learning English, gets a job and creates a support group---always keeping an eye on the Planters Peanut can. Victor befriends an emotionally vulnerable stewardess [Catherine Zeta-Jones] and an airport romance blooms. Can Victor outlast the system, see the Big Apple and make his Dad's dream come true?
Terminal is innovative, engaging, entertaining and has a highly unlikely storyline for a mass marketed film. This movie---playing to large audiences---is a joy to watch and exhibits the heart and spirit of a smart independent film dressed in Hollywood clothing. I say this even after being put on notice by a friend regarding minor technical inconsistencies. These can be overlooked if you're willing to believe an immigrant can live in Kennedy Airport. Two features make this movie sparkle and a joy to watch. First is Victor Navorski, a guy you've just got to love, who exhibits the immigrant motivation, ingenuity and desire that make our country great. Second is the supporting cast. Immigration Officer Dixon [Tucci] is a work-a-day guy just trying to stay out of trouble long enough to inherit his boss' job; he sees Victor as a threat. Zeta-Jones [as Amelia] constrains her star power and instead creates a superb cameo role as a stewardess with a cover girl persona and shattered romantic relationships; Victor is a soft shoulder. Kumar Pallanatucci [Gupta the lounge janitor] is a paranoid immigrant who sees CIA agents in the shadows and only talks to strangers after they make an appointment. Chi McBride [from TV's Boston Public] is a baggage handler who knows how to enjoy his work.
Terminal is another Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg collaboration and looks to be as good as their earlier efforts; remember Catch Me If You Can [2002] and Saving Private Ryan [1998]. The story is cleverly cast as a comedy, not as a tragedy; and, the supporting characters are incredibly real and enduring. The film runs just a little over two hours, more than enough time for the plot to evolve.