
The Terminal
2004, Drama/Comedy, 2h 8m
207 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
The Terminal transcends its flaws through the sheer virtue of its crowd-pleasing message and a typically solid star turn from Tom Hanks. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Viktor Navorski
Amelia Warren
Frank Dixon
Joe Mulroy
Enrique Cruz
Ray Thurman
News & Interviews for The Terminal
Critic Reviews for The Terminal
All Critics (207) | Top Critics (55) | Fresh (126) | Rotten (81)
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Spielberg turns the sublime into the banal, at times taking it to the verge of ridiculous.
January 7, 2019 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
Lovely and well worth sharing with your family.
December 29, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Hanks' overdone slapstick antics and awful accent ... keep this featherweight farce from taking flight.
May 4, 2005 | Full Review… -
So satisfied with its feel-good status, it seems oblivious to the bad casting decisions
September 7, 2004 | Full Review… -
Far less cuddly than expected, this unusual and elegant movie may have failed to connect with US audiences but it proves Spielberg is currently the most unpredictable director in Hollywood.
September 4, 2004 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Hanks is a likeable actor but rarely a subtle one. Viktor is another cutesy emotional heart-tugger in the Forrest Gump mould, all galumphing slapstick.
August 31, 2004 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Terminal
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Jan 31, 2014The Terminal is a completely charming look at one foreign man's unfortunate situation, stuck in an airport without a country. It's a little unbelievable but a good setting nonetheless for this comedic fish-out-of-water slice of life. Tom Hanks plays Viktor so effortlessly; the character reminds me of Andy Kaufman's "foreign man, "but Viktor's more believable. Catherine Zeta-Jones is gorgeous as always but more vulnerable here. I fell in love with her. The whole supporting cast is good; I liked the unexpected moments best, like the Indian janitor juggling during Viktor and Amelia's date. This Spielberg-directed picture may not be Philadelphia or Schindler's List, but I enjoyed it much more than most romantic comedies. It's the sweetest story I've seen in some time, though I do wish for a better ending for Amelia (Jones). The moral is something like: Some things are worth waiting for. It's a little sappy melodramatic, but you'll feel good after anyway.Clintus M Super Reviewer
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Feb 14, 2013While The Terminal is an enjoyable Spielberg movie, it might be his most flawed. The film had good wholesome comedy, represented primary in the first twenty minutes. The drama in it withdrawed pity but not much sadness. While Tom Hanks offered a reasonable performance, I'm not sure if he'd be best fit. I think someone more European looking like Spacey would be the right guy for the job.The most dramatic flaw in this though was a huge lack of focus. It would leave a topic for forty minutes, then come back to it almost as if it was still going on. It didn't have anything central, or even, it would hop around un-evenly. So overall it's decent, but had much more potential.Daniel D Super Reviewer
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Dec 20, 2011At first I found this to be a very bizaar film for Spielberg to direct. I wasn't dissapointed however. The Terminal; is a very heartwarming, cleverly written and interesting film for everyone to watch. It showcases another one of Tom Hanks best perfomances and his third collaboration with Spielberg. Com to think of it, this may of been based on a true story about some foreigner who did get stuck in the New York Airport.Luke E Super Reviewer
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Dec 02, 2011The Terminal is a film I call a comedic masterpiece, and I realize I am in a huge minority when saying that. I have never seen a movie as sweet and funny as this, it was just a perfect mix of great jokes and sweet moments. The premise interested me, and when I finally saw this I realize that Spielberg has made the perfect blend pf drama and comedy. I guess I am a sucker, because the climax of the movie made me tear up a bit because it was so sweet and innocent, and Spielberg has made a winner again. Tom Hanks is extremely lovable and great and even his accent he gives is just funny because it makes Hanks look like innocent figure like in Forrest Gump. The entire cast is memorable including Stanley Tucci who plays one of the finest roles of his career. The Terminal is a perfect film in my view, you may disagree but I fell under the Spielberg spell that his movies cast just so incredibly well, and has made this one of my all time favorite comedies.Bradley W Super Reviewer
The Terminal Quotes
Janitor: | Do you have an appointment? |
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? |
Viktor Navorski: | You... you have two stamp. One red, one green. |
Delores Torres: | So? |
Viktor Navorski: | So, I have chance go New York, 50-50. |
Delores Torres: | [laughs] Yes, that's a beautiful way to look at it. But America doesn't work that way. |
Amelia Warren: | You told me you were delayed, you never said it was for nine months! |
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? |
Viktor Navorski: | You... you have two stamp. One red, one green. |
Delores Torres: | So? |
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