Kim Gentes

Tom Hanks delivers the performance of a lifetime. Ok, well he has delivered a few of those now (Castaway, Green Mile, and Saving Private Ryan). But there is little doubt that this film that isolates itself on the power of the protagonist (much like Castaway had to) due to his limitations of a story with a single set location is Hanks finest character portrayal. Hanks as Viktor Navorski, a stranded immigrant in the international terminal of Kennedy Airport, totally becomes the culture and language of a euro-slavic fictious "Krakozhia".

I found his portrayal and struggles in the mundane discovery of language, food, people and friends to be genuine and engaging. Less than up to par with him, though, was the story that meandered into listless territory occasionally, developing relationships and circumstances that became less than believable. The direction and story were not up to Hanks acting in this one, though the atmosphere and excellence of story-telling didn't escape the prowess of Speilberg's expertise. Perhaps the screenwriters guild was on contract dispute or something, but kept wondering why Speilberg was covering up the poor screenwriting with Hanks unbelievable ability to rescue a scene with facial expressions and anecdotes. It wasn't clear to me who was to blame, but clearly it was not Hanks.

However, though, there are small parts that do deter from the credibility of this story, this performance will not leave you feeling like you blew any money renting this movie. It's very good, and memorable. Once you watch all the A movies you haven't seen yet, this is the top B+ movie for you to see.