The Terminal (2004)

All Critics (207) | Top Critics (46) | Fresh (121) | Rotten (79) | DVD (22)

It's an odd fable: Viktor is the mysterious visitor who shows us what the American Dream is all about-in the movie's terms, compassion for others -- without ever wanting to become an American himself.

August 7, 2004 Full Review

Peter Rainer

New York Magazine

Top Critic

Even in the desolation of an airport lounge at midnight, Viktor is too pure, we realize, to entertain the ghost of a dirty thought.

August 1, 2004 | Comment (1)

David Denby

New Yorker

Top Critic

A feel-good film of such originality and sweetness in a summer of otherwise derivative sequels and remakes that it practically qualifies for miracle status.

June 24, 2004 Full Review | Comment (1)

Rex Reed

New York Observer

Top Critic

The concept was there; the production abilities were there. It's the execution that fell apart.

June 24, 2004 Full Review | Comments (2)

Andrew Sarris

New York Observer

Top Critic

This is the first time in my life I wanted to spend more time in an airport terminal, and Spielberg is just such a brilliant filmmaker; the things he does with light and with motion and some amazing tracking shots.

June 21, 2004 Full Review

Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

Top Critic

Probably the worst-directed film Spielberg has ever made.

June 19, 2004 Full Review | Comments (3)

Charles Taylor

Salon.com

Top Critic

Lovely and well worth sharing with your family.

December 29, 2010 Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Amiable if rather toothless fable.

September 23, 2007 Full Review | Comment (1)

Rob Gonsalves

eFilmCritic.com

A great filmmaker doing minor work.

May 26, 2006 Full Review | Comment (1)

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

The Terminal's conclusion was as awkward and aloof as O'Hare Airport in December.

July 25, 2005 Full Review | Comments (2)

Uri Lessing

www.kcactive.com

It's the type of movie that would easily entertain any viewer.

July 25, 2005 Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

Hanks is excellent and I applaud Spielberg for delving into some new territory.

June 26, 2005 Full Review | Comments (2)

Bill Clark

FromTheBalcony

There are story threads that play out enjoyably, and other threads end up going nowhere. Enjoy the film from scene to scene, since there are definite pleasures along the way.

June 25, 2005 Full Review

Moriarty

Ain't It Cool Movie Reviews

Hanks' overdone slapstick antics and awful accent ... keep this featherweight farce from taking flight.

May 4, 2005 Full Review

Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

The film loses its hushed sense of 'lost-in-the-system' hopelessness and becomes a silly, 'let's all put on a show!' feel-gooder that misses more often not.

April 1, 2005 Full Review

Brian Juergens

Freeze Dried Movies

• 1. Janitor: Do you have an appointment?
  – Submitted by Shen S (4 months ago)
• 1. Delores Torres: Let me ask you something, Mr. Navorski. Why do you wait here two hours every day when I've told you there's nothing I can do for you - that your new visa will not arrive until your country is recognized by the United States?
  2. Viktor Navorski: You... you have two stamp. One red, one green.
  3. Delores Torres: So?
  4. Viktor Navorski: So, I have chance go New York, 50-50.
  5. Delores Torres: [laughs] Yes, that's a beautiful way to look at it. But America doesn't work that way.
  – Submitted by Victoria A (5 months ago)
• 1. Amelia Warren: You told me you were delayed, you never said it was for nine months!
  – Submitted by Victoria A (5 months ago)
• 1. Delores Torres: Let me ask you something, Mr. Navorski. Why do you wait here two hours every day when I've told you there's nothing I can do for you - that your new visa will not arrive until your country is recognized by the United States?
  2. Viktor Navorski: You... you have two stamp. One red, one green.
  3. Delores Torres: So?
  4. Viktor Navorski: So, I have chance go New York, 50-50.
  5. Delores Torres: Yes, that's a beautiful way to look at it. But America doesn't work that way.
  – Submitted by Rocky F (14 months ago)
• 1. Frank Dixon: I'm just curious. You are the kind of woman who can get any guy she wants. Why Viktor Navorski?
  2. Amelia Warren: That's something a guy like you could never understand.
  – Submitted by Keith W (22 months ago)
• 1. Viktor Navorski: Medicine is for goat.
  – Submitted by Keith W (22 months ago)

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