Barry Shabaka Henley, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chi McBride

An eastern immigrant finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there.

Flixster Users

72% liked it

376,685 ratings

Critics

61% liked it

195 critics

PG-13, 2 hrs. 8 min.

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Release Date: June 18, 2004

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DVD Release Date: November 23, 2004

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Stats: 17,846 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (17,846)


  • October 17, 2009
    A film so ridiculously sweet and sentimental, it ends up being sickly. There's plenty of enjoyment to be had, but this is on of Spielberg's laziest offerings. Most of the comedy revolves around foreigners being weirdo's. I understand the confusing between languages, but why can't...( read more) Hanks' character find the correct bathroom? Why does he stumble into glass windows? He's more like an alien from another planet. Then we have lots of those "inspirational" moments, such as Hanks being followed by the entire airport as he walks to leave the Terminal. Tucci is also wasted as the world's most pointless antagonist. Rather than just being a man bound by the law and his duty, Spielberg just has to make it a personal vendetta. Spielberg was obviously lured in by the premise, but couldn't find anyone that could write a decent script. There's sub-plots aplenty, but nothing really gripping. A fun Sunday watch, but very annoying.
  • September 18, 2009
    I found this film to be a little annoying in places but it's not awful.
  • February 28, 2009
    SO boring. I don't even remember most of it because it was so forgettable.
  • January 8, 2009
    "Ever feel like you're living in an airport?"

    Spielberg's film is about a man from a fictional country. When he arrives to NY, he finds out that he has no homeland anymore.

    The story is quite simplistic and feels like an odd choice for Spielberg. He manages to make the film som...( read more)ewhat entertaining. The first hour delivers some laughs and good slapstick comedy by Tom Hanks.

    The only thing that annoyed me in the movie was Viktor Navorski's crush on the flight attendant, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. I wouldn't spend a second on a woman like her. It also feels like the master of sentimentality had to put a "love story" in the movie. For me, I enjoyed the supporting characters a lot more. Interesting and funny persons.

    "The Terminal" is a simple movie. An example of a feel-good movie. Two hours just go flying and a lot of stuff is put into the story. Worth a second viewing? No.
  • January 4, 2009
    Sad that it is based on true events, but good film. Tom Hanks is in JFK airport hoping to go to New York City but his home country is in warzone so his passport is invalid. He is not able to go home or enter US. Good cast.
  • November 3, 2009
    At first I thought it would be a boring movie but I was blown away by the performance of Tom Hanks! Love the story!
  • November 3, 2009
    Interesante historia. Pero me pregunto donde esta "Krakoshia"...
  • October 29, 2009
    I didnt expect to like this movie at all but I REALLY REALLY enjoyed it.A must see
  • October 27, 2009
    "I've been waiting my whole life, I just don't know what the hell for. "
    Reminds me about patience, and even if we're very lucky we can't always get what we want.
  • October 9, 2009
    A dumb, clichéd, simple plot, with boring performances and a brainless script. Let's say Spielberg took a brake after too many financially successful films. He lost it again.

    55/100

Critic Reviews


May 4, 2005
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness

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

June 18, 2004
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

The Terminal is quintessential Spielberg: perfectly cast, technically breathtaking, sentimental to the point of being one sugar cube away from gooey and extremely pleasurable to watch. full review

June 18, 2004
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

I'm not in love with The Terminal, but I liked every minute in it. full review

June 18, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

A sweet and delicate comedy. full review

June 17, 2004
Claudia Puig, USA Today

If moviegoers suspend their disbelief -- easy enough thanks to the diverse and talented cast, as well as Spielberg's capable direction -- they're bound to enjoy this cinematic fantasy. full review

June 17, 2004
David Edelstein, Slate

Bland and semidelusional Hollywood sentimentality. full review

June 17, 2004
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Rarely have I been so acutely aware of a movie's softness and sentimentality, and rarely have I minded less. full review

June 17, 2004
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Even the best of talents misfire. Here's Exhibit A. full review

View more The Terminal reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • michellefortuin
    April 14, 2009
    Such a beautiful and heart warming movie! Great story, excellent actors, everything was exactly good. It's a must-see for everyone, one of the most beautiful and most touching movies I've seen in times.
  • Roxiliverpoolfan
    February 4, 2009
    It is sool I love the safety gaurd
  • SharonTateForever
    February 19, 2008
    The best movie. I love Catherine Zeta Jones and Tom Hank.
  • shahinmansoor
    July 20, 2007
    excellent !!!!
  • sujansays
    June 19, 2007
    ozzum acting...nice one...the word i remember most is
    "I wait"...I wait'
  • chinhnt2k3
    June 16, 2007
    Good movie watched it last year but still remember it
  • meysam909
    February 14, 2007
    I love this movie!
  • kay99
    September 25, 2006
    This Has Gotta Be The BEST Movie Ever !
  • HelloImBorat
    July 8, 2006
    Diego Luna is so hot.He looked better without the mustache.
  • jordanpetersen13
    July 2, 2006
    i HATED this movie so bad! I hated that no one let him know he could leave! it pissed me off..and I couldnt even watch the rest of the movie cuz It made me so mad!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Terminal Trivia


  • This actress has been stuck in Traffic and at The Terminal. She can be seen hanging out in Chicago and is a friend to Zorro. Who is she?   Answer »
  • In what movie does Tom Hanks come from the country Krakozia?  Answer »
  • The events of the following movies are in a plane except one, Which one ?  Answer »
  • NAme the movie about this person stuck in the airport and in the end, he fufils his fathers wish   Answer »

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