Review of The Terminal (2004) by Chris H — 12 Jul 2011

Spielberg and Hanks team up again. This time to warm your heart with this charming 2 hour dramedy about a man stuck in the airport. Did I say "warm your heart" and "charming"? I meant to say "embarass you" and "corny" or at least I would if this wasn't that truly rare gem: a cute fish-out-of-water comedy that works. Of course, as you can see, the critics don't see that and that is understandable. Before we discuss that further, let's touch on the film's other flaws, such as slow spots, overdrawn points, expendable scenes, cliches, some character underusage and perhaps worst of all, a cop-out ending. Now, getting back to the film's cheese factor, I did feel like rolling my eyes at a deal of points, especially during the later acts, but the points that I expected to fall flat the hardest surprisingly worked. However, that is simply a matter of taste, but those who do find the humor effective should give credit to the film's charm and cast.

Before we discuss on the film's charm and excellent performances, let's touch on a pros list that's somehow more redundant than this segway. The film is supported by excellent cinematography, a fine score and a mostly smooth pace. Still, what makes most of the corniness - to me - slip away is the film's engaging charm. The film is pleasently funny when not genuinely touching. For this, we have to thank Spielberg for executing the comedic and dramatic aspects so sharply. Of course, you know we have to give credit to the charismatic performances, particularly Hanks'.

Here, Hanks is able to show off both the competent acting that has made him one of my favorite actors, as well as the comedic acting that has made him my stand-alone favorite comedic actor. Hanks' execution of the Russian accent is quite underrated and when he brings in some sharp emotional work, he really carry the dramatic points. As for the humor he brings, it's "Big" all over again, only more clever. Fish-out-of-water humor is a major pet peeve of mine, as it's just such a cop-out that makes me feel embarassed for all in the scenario, but in here, Hanks is given fish-out-of-water humor that's actually pretty sharp. I know what you're thinking: "Yeah, like we've never seen Russian fish-out-of-water humor." Well, in here, the humor doesn't feel over-the-top, partially thanks to the charming execution by Hanks. Though his character isn't the most refreshing concept, Hanks' charisma and talent as both a competent and comedic actor make his fish-out-of-water character feel like the likeable - though not overly-cute or embarassingly blatant - charmingly oblivious lead that most fish-out-of-water comedies drop the ball on properly creating.

In the end, though the effectiveness of its sentimentality is debateable, "The Terminal" - to me and undoubtedly others - remains a well-acted, charming and genuinely touching experience led by an exhilarating performance by a charmingly funny, when not deeply compelling Tom Hanks.