Spielberg's comic masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10 (23 June 2004)

Steven Spielberg has proven himself to be equally adept at at number of different genres, but comedy has been the one genre wherein success eluded him - "1941", his one flat-out comedy, was also his one complete artistic failure. "Hook" was a largely comic fantasy, but was neither entirely a comedy nor entirely successful (though it is a better film than some of it's most vocal detractors have implied). "Catch Me If You Can" was, before now, the closest Steven had come to comic success - but that excellent film is really as much drama as comedy.
While "The Terminal" has been marketed as a comedy-drama, this really is a true comedy, with some dramatic elements. Unfortunately, our society has been dumbed down to the point where people think comedy means "Austin Powers". Here, Spielberg had succeeded completely at creating another classic, and Tom Hanks creates the most endearing character he has played since "Forrest Gump". "The Terminal" is hilarious, touching, fast-moving and entertaining, and the biggest stretch Spielberg has faced since "Schindler's List". It is one of his most character driven works to date.
Sadly, we have reached an appalling mentality among many filmgoers, especially those who congregate on the internet, wherin any upbeat movie that makes you feel good is trashed, regardless of quality. Anyone of even moderate intelligence realizes that there is room for many types films, and a truly well-made "feel good" movie which is not shamelessly manipulative or contrived can be a great thing, which is exactly what "The Terminal" is, along with being the best film of the summer.