Strange Holiday.

Rating: 8/10 (25 June 2015)

The Terminal (2004): Dir: Steven Spielberg / Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride, Zoe Saldana: Dramatic comedy about life's dark periods. When war breaks out in his country an Eastern European citizen becomes stranded in a New York airport unable to leave. He understands little English but makes the best of his situation. Structure is sometimes disjointed but surprises when the mystery is revealed regarding the peanut can he possesses. Spielberg gives a detailed feel to airport operations. This marks the third collaboration between director and star, after previously helming Saving Private Ryan and Catch Me If You Can. Tom Hanks is superb as someone out of his element yet adapts when all else fails. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays a stewardess down in relationships yet she finds friendship and freedom with this peculiar foreign fellow. Stanley Tucci plays an airport commissioner who tries to maintain order yet ultimately must face the fact that his terminal sleepover guest is not quite the hindrance he at first thought. Chi McBride plays a security guard who sympathizes with Hanks. He shifts through disjointed moments yet performs with appeal. Zoe Saldana plays an immigration officer and, like McBride, the role is standard fair and barely elevates above plot conventions. This is a rewarding film about conquering life's hardships. Score: 8 ½ / 10