Fine Film That Could Have Been Taken Up a Notch By...

Rating: 8/10 (20 June 2004)

POTENTIAL SPOILERS
Hi. I enjoyed this movie quite a lot, but I felt that some of the story's loose ends could have been tied (that fountain that Hanks built had to explode when they were kissing!) and some parts of the ending either improved (why exactly did Tucci have tons of pills in his desk or not get fired earlier for his treatment of Hanks by the copy machine) or clarified. Below is my suggested alternative. I'd love to know what you think---scottfeinberg@hotmail.com.
Alternative Ending for The Terminal (2004):
Tom Hanks leaves the airport, as he does in the film, with the help of the black customs agent who defies his superior, Stanley Tucci. He gets to the Ramada Inn where he is seeking the signature from the last person remaining from his father's old band. He gets there, only to be informed that the man has just left for a flight to tour in Europe. So Hanks, exasperatedly, must turn around and head back to the airport and certain deportation, in the hope of catching the band member before he is caught himself. As he re-enters the airport and tries to evade detection, he rushes around and searches, albeit unsuccessfully. He hops onto an elevator, and as it reaches the second floor and the door opens, he is greeted by Tucci and a sea of security who grab him, telling him sternly, `Mr. Navorsky, we're gonna need you to come with us.' He seems dejected as Tucci walks him through the airport, escorted against the traffic of travelers who have been cleared and are leaving the airport. Tucci then tells Hanks, `Victor, someone's been waiting to see you,' and he points out Zeta-Jones holding a sign with the limo drivers that says, `Victor' and then she shuffles to a second sign and says, `I'm sorry,' and then heads to a third sign that says, `Forgive me,' and then a fourth sign that has an arrow pointing to the right. A man steps out of the crowd, looks at Navorsky for a second, then smiles slightly and says, `Mr. Navorsky, my name is [band member]. Nice to meet you.' Roll credits.