Sahara

Plot synopsis:
The film begins with a prologue set in Richmond, Virginia in 1865, showing the ironclad CSS Texas, carrying the last of the Confederacys treasury, as Captain Adrian Tombs (Robert Cavanah) tries to run a Union blockade.The film then moves to the present day, circa 1990s, where World Health Organization doctors Eva Rojas (Penélope Cruz) and Frank Hopper (Glynn Turman) are investigating a disease that is spreading across Mali, Africa. Assassins attempt to murder Eva, but she is rescued by Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey), from National Underwater and Marine Agency, who was working nearby.Dirk gets a call from a dealer in Nigeria. He sells Dirk a gold Confederate States of America coin, one of supposedly only five in existence, which was found in the Niger River. Dirk believes that this is a clue to the long-lost Texas. He convinces his boss, James Sandecker (William H. Macy), to let him, Al Giordino (Steve Zahn), and Rudi Gunn (Rainn Wilson), from NUMA, go to Mali to search. They give Eva and Hopper a ride, so that they can continue their investigation, for the WHO.Businessman Yves Massarde (Lambert Wilson) and dictator General Kazim (Lennie James), who controls half of civil-war torn Mali, try to stop the doctors from discovering the source of "plague". Kazim sends men to kill them and the NUMA team, not realizing their CIA and Navy background. Dirk, Al and Rudi survive the attack. Rudi tries to get out of the country to get help while Dirk and Al go to rescue the doctors. They save Eva, and then the three try to get across the border, but are captured by Tuareg, who are fighting the civil war. The Tuaregs leader, Madibo, shows Eva his people, who are dying. After taking samples, Eva finds that the water is contaminated.By accident, Al stumbles into a cave with a painting showing the ironclad Texas. Dirk believes that the Texas became stranded when the river water dried up after a storm and that the same river that carried the Texas now runs underground, spreading the contamination. They start to follow the dry river bed and work their way to the border. Dirk still hopes to find the ironclad along the way. Their plans are interrupted when they stumble upon the solar detoxification plant owned by Massarde, and realize that it is the source of the contamination. Rudi and Sandecker analyze their samples and find that the contamination is heading down the Niger River to the ocean, but they can't get any government help to intervene during a civil war in a sovereign country.Massarde captures Dirk and the others. He keeps Eva but sends Dirk and Al to Kazim. They escape and contact Sandecker, who warns them that Kazim and his troops are after them. Dirk and Al enlist Madibos aid to return to the plant and rescue Eva. He helps them infiltrate the plant and rescue his people who are working there as slaves. Rather than risk discovery, Massarde plans to destroy the plant, making it almost impossible to stop the contamination. Al goes to defuse the bombs while Dirk tries to head off Massarde and save Eva. Massarde escapes. Dirk, Eva, and Al get away from the plant, but are strafed by Kazim in a helicopter gunship. A series of explosions along the dry river bed reveals the Texas, right where the cave painting showed it to be. They take cover inside but Kazims ammunition is too much for the old ironclad's armor. They manage to fight back with the old cannon and destroy Kazim's gunship, just as Madibo arrives with Tuareg reinforcements.In the end the contamination is dealt with, and Sandecker is offered a deal to do some covert work, while the government serendipitously funds NUMA, which he accepts, tentatively. Massarde, busy eating with a businessman, does not notice that the waiter who serves him water (which he drinks) served only him and disappeared with the rest of the bottle. The Texas gold, which belongs to the CSA - Confederate States of America, is left with Madibos people. Later, while Al, Rudi, Sandecker are busy, Dirk and Eva are at the beach at her house on the bay in Monterey.

Tags: comedy, humor, action, boring, flashback

Review:
I also found it refreshing for the sidekick to look like a doofus, but actually more than hold his own during crunch time.I can only assume the negative reactions are from fans of the book (I have never read any Clive Custler, so it may well depart from it in tone or otherwise.) But judged solely on its merits as a light-hearted adventure movie, it more than met my expectations..
It's not great at the field, but at least it has its heart on it.Its tag line states "Adventure has a new name", it's without question or doubt that Dirk Pitt, Cussler's brainchild hero played here by Matthew McConaughey, will be a new James Bond or Indiana Jones.
If characters in adventure movies could be quite as interesting as those featured in the INDIANA JONES series, couldn't we deserve to get the same on other entries in the genre, including knock-offs.Still, what you've come to expect from SAHARA are here anyway.
The implausible plot involves the quest for a lost Ironclad in the middle of the Sahara desert (!) by the dashing Dirk Pitt (McConaughey), his sidekick Al (Steve Zahn) and a daring Dr. Eva Rojas (Penelope Cruz), who trek through the blazing desert landscape with camels, vans, boats, you name it.
Even if this genre, which includes films like NATIONAL TREASURE, will never live up to its superior INDIANA JONES ancestors, they will still nonetheless offer the action and adventure it promises.
Admittedly Zahn has fallen into a role of the crazy side-kick, but in this film I think he finally finds the balance of kooky and serious in the way a action movie "buddy" should..
The film follows our hero  ex-marine treasure hunter Dirk Pitt  and his friends through Africa as they uncover evil plots, fight bad guys, and search for treasure.
The ending is just about as slam-bang as you'd expect, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.Dirk Pitt is played by Matthew McConaughey, who happened to speak before the movie was shown.
Apparently he'd been involved in the movie as more than just an actor  he is one of the executive producers, a role he takes seriously (he said he'd had the opportunity to produce other films but turned them down, not wanting to get involved in something unless he was really going to commit to actually working on it).
The film starts in the Richmond battle (1865) where a war ship is disappeared and is gone during modern time in that an archaeologists(Matthew McConaughey,Steve Zhan and William H.Macy) are looking for treasures on Africa.
Now I admit that most things are quite shallow, but if you mix all of the above mentioned ingredients with a decent story, good action sequences and throw in the fact that there isn't one nanosecond of corniness in this movie, you inevitably end up with a crowd pleasing blockbuster.7,25 out of 10.
There's an edge, an extra quality of "can do" that helps carry the improbabilities of the plot nicely.If you liked /Raiders of the Lost Ark/ or /Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade/, you should go see this picture.Some violence, mostly of the shoot-'em up variety, often more implied than "in your face" (and that's a good thing).
It had been a good six years since I had read the corresponding book, but I still remembered it somewhat.Matthew McConaughey is one of my favorite actors, but honestly I had never thought he would work as the beloved Dirk Pitt.
Steve Zahn certainly has a kind of chemistry that worked well with Matthew McConaughey, and he certainly could steal the show for the right viewer, but I find his performance and his entire presence in the movie a distraction, and an insult to Al Giordino's true character.Raine Wilson as Rudi Gunn was passable, but not really that much like Rudi.
I also hope if the movies continue, they will show the N.U.M.A. headquarters, and Sandecker's commanding role at the facility.Since Penelope Cruz is not one of my personal favorite actresses, I was not excited at her being cast opposite Matthew McConaughey as Eva Rohas.
I gave a rating a little less than perfect because of the presence of Steve Zahn, Raine Wilson not quite up to par, and the fact that much of the story was changed from the book...too much, in my opinion.All in all a very enjoyable film, and I do look forward to the next installments of the series, if they ever manage to make it to production..
Matthew McConaughey has developed into one of the bigger action/adventure stars over the last decade and its with films like Sahara that he's gotten that reputation.
If u enjoyed the indiana jones movies u will enjoy this one, no it doesn't have a deep and moving plot, no it doesn't have intense character development, no it's not a boring arty farty film where u feel like slitting your wrists to escape the boredom of the two hour 'action shot' of some guy adjusting his umbrella.
I've read some ppl commenting that the disease in the film should have been AIDS instead of the toxic water thing, but action movies are not much fun when they involve ppl driving through informal settlements throwing condoms at the residents.
And what a perfect Pitt, Matthew McConaughey makes.I was a little concerned about Zahn as Al Giordino (always my favorite character) but he was pretty terrific too.Right from the opening scenes this movie was an adventure and the music chosen, complemented it beautifully.
I really got a 'feel' for Africa by the use of genuine African music too - traditional and contemporary played......apart from the African music, it didn't hurt that a lot of my other favorite songs were played either.As far as the book was concerned - I felt the movie kept to the book as faithfully as the time constraints of movie making allows - I was sorry the Kitty Mannock scenes couldn't be used though, but agree it would've slowed the movie down.Not since Raiders of the Lost Ark have I felt so completely engrossed in an adventure movie from the opening scenes to the roll of the credits.Can't wait for Mr McConaughey to reprise his Dirk Pitt roll in the next adventure .....(hint hint) For pure escapism in the best sense this is a 10 out of 10 movie, and with no bad language or really graphic violence, it's one for the whole family..
Sahara was a pretty good action movie in the same mold as Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider & National Treasure.
They need a ride and manage to get on board with Dirk and Al, but by doing so, they get the attention of an African dictator, who wants to stop them before they get too close.There are quite a few action scenes and for what it was, I was entertained throughout the movie.
I must confess that I have never heard of Dirk Pitt before seeing this movie and am therefore unable to make comparisons to the book.However I would certainly get Sahara on DVD and recommend anyone who hasn't seen it to do so.Its a terrific action movie which for once doesn't belittle female viewers.Penny Cruz is resourceful and brave as the Doctor trying to track down a plague in Africa and doesn't just stand around waiting to be rescued.What a refreshing change for Hollywood!Matthew McConaughey makes a sexy and charismatic action hero and has a great foil in Steve Zann as his wisecracking sidekick.There are some fantastic and original action pieces,great locations ( the Solar Plant looks amazing!
I really enjoyed this movie.Its an old fashioned blend of swashbuckling adventure in which men are men and women are chicks.Obviously different to the book that inspired it SAHARA is humorous and action packed.Matthew McConaughey- not normally an actor I have the slightest faith in-is surprisingly effective as the treasure seeking rogue with an eye for the ladies.Steve Zahn is a fine foil as sidekick Al Giordano ( admittedly completely miscast if you want the character from the novels, but he has a strong chemistry with McConaughey that really works on screen).William H Macy is a decent Sandecker.Only poor Penelope Cruz is underused as Dr Eva Rojas..although thankfully she is given practical wardrobe rather than the usual miniscule tat action heroines wear.The action sequences are diverting, the score is memorable but the main thing about this production is the wonderfully evocative cinematography.It seems there has been a hate campaign against this movie- no doubt from fans of Cussler's work.I liked the books too but they were at least as full as silliness and illogical plotting as the movie.Trust me.This is worth a watch..
I'm not a huge fan of Matthew McConnaughy to be honest, but he was very good as Dirk Pitt, the leader of the expedition looking for the ironclad, and he was complemented very nicely by Steve Zahn as his sidekick Al. The two shared some witty dialogue and both were well partnered with Penelope Cruz as the doctor from the World Health Organization who's investigating the plague and, in a somewhat lesser role, by Rainn Wilson as Rudi, a fellow adventurer.
Macy as Dirk's boss.It's what you'd expect in such a movie in terms of adventure and action, but the intrigue in the storyline and good performances raise it up a notch or two.
Sad to say, but Eisner makes this movie move along, and the plot is a good one (Clive Cussler likely deserves most credit on this).
Thankfully, this breakneck African adventure is built of much headier stuff.Matthew McConaughey's Pitt is a cross between Indiana Jones, James Bond and The Dude in 'The Big Lebowski', here embarking on a search for an American Civil War battleship in the Sahara desert and, along the way, uncovering the source of a mysterious plague that is decimating the locals.The film mixes exactly the perfect amount of action and comedy, most of the jokes coming from Pitt's sidekick Al Giordino (Steve Zahn), who is a welcome change from the usual suspect Seann William Scott..
Then you sprinkle the movie with the irrepressible Matthew McConaughey, the smoldering and incredibly sexy Penélope Cruz, and the always entertaining Steve Zahn and you've the makings of something that could turn out quite well.
In fact, to their credit, some changes from the book actually do a better job of tying the historical backdrop to the contemporary story, and another edit makes somewhat more palatable the deus ex machina that saves Dirk and Al in the desert (the excised footage is included in the DVD's deleted scenes).The casting isn't bad, although Al Giordino is described in the Cussler novels as being more like Monk from the Doc Savage pulps than any run-of-the-mill actor.
i didn't mind this movie.it's pretty lite fare,but enjoyable.the movie is based on a novel by Clive Cussler and centers around thrill seeking adventurer Dirk Pitt(Matthew McConaughey)and his travelling companion(Steve Zahn).the duo find themselves in over their heads and trying to avoid being killed by enemies they have made on their latest treasure hunt.they end up teaming with a humanitarian aid doctor,played by Penelope cruse.McConaughey and Zahn make a good pair,and work well off each other.they each have some funny lines.cruse was OK,though i am not a fan of hers.the movie is fast paced and has some thrills.it's funny at times,but it is also unrealistic to the point of absurdity.my eyes got a workout from rolling back in my head so much.also the movie feels incomplete somehow.there was great potential and i think they could have made a great movie.nevertheless,for mindless entertainment,you could do worse.for me,Sahara is a 6/10.
You can neither call it a comedy or a romantic movie but both has their share in Sahara.McConaughey or Zahn are not great, but you don't expect them to be in this action packed movie.
Adapapted from one of Clive Cussler's popular Dirk Pitt series of novels, this very much Holywoodised adaptation is glossy, well photographed and very slick.Whilst most entertainment these days can be enjoyed by leaving your brain at the door on the way in, for this, it would be wise not to bring you brain anywhere near the door in the first place as the plot leaves a lot to be desired with holes the size of battleship in it.The original plot line about the highly unlikely story (or plot device, take your pick) of the lost Civil War Ironclad battleship winding up on the wrong side of the Atlantic in the middle of a desert is seemingly forgotten for the middle two thirds of the film until an urgent requirement for something with armour plating and a convenient working cannon turns up.Whilst there are good laughs to be had and the casting of the criminally underused Willam H Macy as Admiral Sandecker is spot on, there are other problems, not the least of which is the civil war in Mali that seems to be lacking somewhat.
Clive Cussler fans (like me) should enjoy this as long as they remember that this is not one of Cussler's masterpiece novels and it is extremely hard to transfer novels such as his onto film.Keep and open mind as you stroll into the cinema and remember that you are about to experience a good old fashioned adventure story and not Citizen Kane.
Searching for what the locals call "The Ship of Death," a long lost Civil War battleship which protects a secret cargo, Pitt and his wisecracking sidekick (Steve Zahn) use their wits and clever heroics to help Doctor Eva Royas (Penélope Cruz) when they realize the ship may be linked to mysterious deaths in the same area.Based on the best-selling novel by Clive Cussler.This movie is certainly one of the most interesting movies of 2005.
I really enjoyed this movie.Its not intellectual but its not based on an intellectual book.The cast are good and Mcconaughey and Zahn have a real sense of rapport which makes up for ZXahn not resembling the character in the books.He also has a personality as does Rudi Gunn ( the books characters are cyphers who exist only to serve Pitt).Cinematography is excellent and the locations are well used.Music and original score are evocative and fun, the set pieces are excellent and unlike recent entries in the Bond franchise this retains its sense of fun.Excellent..I recommend this.
Really good Action/Adventure movie, just a bad release date..
I really liked the plot of the movie, it did seem a little like Indiana Jones and National Treasure, but all Action/Adventure movies tend to follow a lot of the same lines.
Matthew McConaughey and Steve Zahn made a great team and I hope to see them do another movie together, and Penélope Cruz is an amazing actress.
I love those movies, well the first three anyway(fourth was mediocre) but to me while Sahara does have that vibe and like the Indy movies are adventure/action films they are all different and recommendable films in their own way.Sahara mayn't be perfect, while the script is mostly witty and the story exciting and engaging, there can be some disbelief in the dialogue and the film meanders at the end both in credibility and pacing.However, Sahara is visually stunning.
I thought the acting was fine on the most part, Matthew McConaughey has just the right charisma for the role, and Penelope Cruz is beautiful and suitably foxy.Steve Zahn has some great humorous lines and scenes and thankfully doesn't grate, William H.
This is pretty good action/adventure/comedy that is similar to the likes of Indiana Jones and National Treasure.
This is true - some of the scenes are flat out stupid if you scrutinise them, but if that's what you want to do, what are doing watching an action flick with Matthew McConaughey and Steve Zahn as the lead roles?
The chemistry between the main actors is great and the film moves from action scene to comedy scene to action scene with a kind of happy-go-lucky indifference to things such as realism that you can't help but get swept along for the ride.I enjoyed this movie from start to finish and would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a bit of mindless entertainment.
But i still have my memories from when i first read his books and i remember "Sahara" being one of the more outrageous and entertaining.Dirk Pitt is played by Matthew McConaughey who is of course completely wrong for the role judged by the book, as is Steve Zahn as Gilardino.
And finally, while it is not the focus of the movie, no action flick can be perfect without humor and/or a comic sidekick - this movie has both, and uses them to good effect.It's worth a watch, if you're interested in this type of film.
I would suggest Sahara to anyone looking for a fun movie that will take them on a action-packed adventure with a few good laughs along the way..
Matthew McConaughey & Penelope Cruz acted great in the movie.
The story is about two treasure hunters, former mariners and great friends, Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey) and Al Giordino (Steve Zahn), which go to Lagos seeking for a battleship from the American Civil that might be in Africa.
Steve Zahn gives the best funny moments, but something is missing in Matthew McConaughey to be an action hero like, for example, Harrison Ford and his Indiana Jones.
The film follows Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey) and his buddy Al Giordino (Steve Zahn) on a wild treasure hunt to find a lost Civil War Ironclad Battleship buried in Africa.
Macy, Delroy Lindo, and Lambert Wilson, SAHARA succeeds in pulling off an interesting caper film.Not having read the apparently sacrosanct novel by Clive Cussler upon which the film is based, this 2 hour plus film seemed to putt along without any great shakes, without much in the way of character development, without any hint of screen chemistry between Cruz and McConaughey, but with the surprise pleasure of watching Steve Zahn steal the scenes with his comic talent.