Flight of the Phoenix (2004)
When an oil rig in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia proves unproductive, an aircraft crew are sent to shut the operation down and fly them out. On the flight out over the desert on the way to Beijing, Capt. Frank Towns and co-pilot A.J. are unable to keep their cargo plane, a C-119 Flying Boxcar, in the air when a violent sandstorm strikes. Crash-landing in a remote uncharted part of the desert, the two pilots and their passengers -- a crew of oil workers and a drifter -- must work together to survive by rebuilding the aircraft. Soon, low supplies and a band of merciless smugglers add even greater urgency to their task.
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Wonderful character development!
Purely Joyful Movie!
It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.
Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.
If you're going to redo a great classic, Have some class and do it justice. This movie was a complete abortion from the minute the plane hit the ground. If you've never seen the original, just go watch that and throw this crap in the trash pile. The original is so good I don't know how it could be topped other than telling it exactly as the original and just add some good cinematography and effects maybe. I don't know why anyone would want to do a sub par version of an excellent classic. Delusional maybe??? I couldn't even finish watching it. Maybe that's because the original was so good I felt embarrassed for those that made this attempt and I'm sure they had a lot bigger budget than the original movie had. Whatever!
For those audiences who have not seen the original (for whatever reason) I recommend the redux version. Despite its perceived shortcomings the film should appeal to them. Yes, this film is a modern version and adaptation replete with today's warped lingo. Nonetheless, director John Moore delivers a worthy product.And instead of panning his selection I applaud Dennis Quaid's inclusion. He's not Jimmy Stewart. No surprise there. Nevertheless Dennis does a darn good job in his rendition of the oft jaded Captain Frank Towns the pilot of ill-fated cargo plane. Although later he had some really weak even lame moments. One stand outs. It was his response to the female oil crew member's plea to search for a 'lost' companion.Initially stubborn and even oblivious to the plight of the oil rig crew, Quaid soon bends somewhat. He even shows some redemptive qualities. Ina sheepish voice, he replies."OK. I'll go."Still, Quaid provided a credible account of how a seasoned and journeyman pilot may have responded in a similar real life-or-death situation. For the most part, he did nothing.Fast forward...The real story and its rising star begins and ends with the appearance of 'Eliot', the aviation engineer (miniature as in models). Giovanni Ribisi takes control of the dire situation and the film. Moreover, he offers just enough contrast in his character to make the viewer wish to know more about him. then, forget the other cast members. Soon, they all rescind to the background as robots.And why not. Kaiser Eliot requests and then demands their complete obedience. Always mindful, he sets a lofty goal. His singular task and focus is to get the job done: build a 'new' Phoenix from the remains of the wreckage. Hey, it sounded good to me. If asked, I too would have jumped at the chance to help.More kudos...The cinematography was terrific. Especially satisfying was experiencing the wild, gut wrenching plane ride almost the moment after take-off. Minutes later the plane is caught in the fierce clutches of a monster Mongolian desert storm.There's no way out. Eliot, knows that too. After venturing to the cockpit, he bravely apprised Captain Towns."You're too heavy."What did Eliot earn for his sterling effort and sage advice? Towns, sternly rebuked him."Get back in your seat!"Thereafter, events got real interesting. First, the plane's radio antenna was sheared off...
This review is based solely on the 2004 movie. I have never seen the original so there will be no comparison. I picked this film to watch largely for the cast - in particular Dennis Quaid and Hugh Laurie - and had no idea until after I watched the movie that it was a remake. While this is certainly not an Oscar contender, it's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. It's a decent movie with solid performances by the cast. No, there's nothing original about this film, but then again, when was the last time anyone made a truly original movie? My suggestion: if you've never seen the original, watch this one first - since it is apparently the lesser movie. If you have seen the original, then watch this movie for its own merits and try not to do a comparison with the original film.
This film is definitely 'good' - there aren't really any major things wrong with it other than the usual; "that's not believable" or "that's not what normal people do in that situation".Having said that, there are a couple of satisfying moments where people do take the action you want them to take.The opening scene of the crash (no spoilers as that is given in every tag line for the film!) is simply superb. I have honestly never seen a more realistic plane crash on film and I have seen a shocking amount of films.Some reviews have commented on the lack of action... well... they crashed in a desert... it's not as though there are going to be car chases and helicopter shoot-outs! Despite the surroundings, the story moves along at a good pace and there are some nice surprises.It is pointless being annoyed at the script / ending as this is a remake and does exactly what the original did.Overall, a good film and worth watching.7/10