What Are You Waiting For?

Rating: 7/10 (5 August 2007)

Viktor Navorski is on his way into New York City when he is told that his country has been annexed from the inside- It no longer technically exists. It seems that this has placed him in a "crack" in the system- There is nothing that Head of Airport Security Frank Dixon can do but let him live in the airport terminal- So that is what Viktor Navorski does: He lives.
The story here is truly the star of the show. Through his foreign eyes Viktor allows us to see the irony of our rushed and ridiculous American lives. He also changes the lives of just about everyone he meets. As Viktor himself discovers, everyone is waiting for something; everyone has something they're yearning for in their life. Yet it is those of us who stop waiting and just soar who truly are happy.
And much thanks for that has to be given to the amazingly talented cast. Tom Hanks is brilliant as Viktor; You know it's a great performance when you completely forget about the actor and just see the character. Catherine Zeta-Jones is spot-on as a truly selfish and love-desperate woman who has realized what love really is for the first time. Stanley Tucci is excellent once again. However, it is Kumar Pallana as the janitor who reluctantly befriends Viktor who stole the show for me. Really, there's not a bad performance in the film.
Steven Spielberg's legendary directing is superb, and we feel like we truly know the character's and have lived this amazing story right alongside them. The cinematography is lovely and cleverly sets up the humor of the scenes.
The Terminal is definitely one of the best movie's of it's year. The humor is fun throughout, the performances are all wonderful, and the story and message are unforgettable. So, what are you waiting for? Stop waiting and soar. Truly a wonderful film! 7/10 stars!
Jay Addison