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Review

An often charming comedy-drama that borders on fantasy, The Terminal succeeds on the many small, human elements and is nearly sabotaged when its scope becomes larger. In a moving, convincing performance, Hanks is Viktor Navorski, a traveler from the fictitious Eastern European country of Krakozhia, who finds himself a man without a home when civil war erupts in his native land. With an invalid visa, he is neither allowed on American soil nor can he return home. So Viktor tries to make the best of an impossible situation and makes Kennedy International Airport his home. Much of the film's genial humor comes at the expense of Viktor's fish-out-of-water misadventures, such as learning the language, ways to make money, and improvising food, shelter and hygiene. Viktor's gregarious nature soon endears him to many of the airport's working class, nearly setting in motion a Capra-esque tale of social order but coming up a little short. Zeta-Jones also stars as an airline attendant who catches Viktor's eye and improbably pursues her -- unfortunately, little of this romance rings true and weakens a satisfying, humorous story of survival, camaraderie and governmental bureaucracy. Director Spielberg allows Hanks to immerse himself in his appealing character, and the actor gives yet another smashing portrayal. But the director also doesn't seem to trust the film's engaging human moments, allowing bombast to sporadically enter the picture. Hanks, the supporting cast and the inherent story are quite appealing -- he should have taken a cue from Viktor and had a little more faith.

 -- David Bleiler