"So where are you headed?" "Home!"

Rating: 9/10 (12 October 2008)

Tom Hanks shines in this heartwarming, eye-opening film about the man who has fallen into the only crack in the U.S. customs department. Unable to return to a war-stricken Krakozhia and unable to enter the U.S. he is stuck in a never-ending no-man's land; a place where he doesn't feel welcome, doesn't feel wanted, and does not belong. A place he calls home, but we call the Terminal. This 2004 film, directed by Stephen Spielberg, stars Tom Hanks in the lead role as a Krakozhian immigrant grounded to the JFK airport, who has to learn to adapt to American culture without stepping foot on its soil. Tom Hanks accurately portrays a non-American traveler, and successfully places himself in the shoes of a lost immigrant. His lovable persona and barely understandable accent captivates the audience and has them willing to follow him to Krakozhia and back by the end of the film. His character befriends a motley crew of janitorial workers, and even catches the eye of a flight attendant played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Together with his newfound friends, he discovers what it truly means to be an American and realizes that the home he had been searching for was just through the doors of gate 67. Viktor Navorski, played by Tom Hanks, isn't your average traveler. He can't speak, can't read, and can hardly navigate his way around a crowded airport food court. He shaves in the restrooms, parades around in a bathrobe, and feasts on saltine crackers doused in condiments. He is alone in a foreign country, hated by authority, and not trusted by the staff. The majority is indifferent towards him, ignoring his cries of anguish over confusion from the news, and not stopping to help him use the phone despite his pleas. He is unwanted, unwelcome, and unacceptable, but he is also ambitious. And through that ambition he finds friendship, happiness, and a little love on the side. Expert film critics Ryan "the Rain Maker" Rodela, and Justin "Horse-whispering" Holland each gave the movie two thumbs up along with a 4.5 star rating out of a possible 5. So whether you're waiting for a flight, or just sitting at home with nothing to do, the Terminal promises to take off, entertain, and land you with the perfect family film.