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Based on the best-selling Clive Cussler book of the same name, this big budget action-comedy
adventure film was released in April of 2005, and actually open at number one its opening
weekend. Sadly, even the film's reasonable successful $122 million dollar take wasn't
enough to recoup the massive production and promotional expenses, with estimates placing
the movie's losses somewhere between $80 and 100 million. Director Breck Eisner skillfully
presents an exciting an tweaked version of the classic treasure-hunting experience, dazzling
exciting chase sequences, wonderful action, and some hilarious comedy, despite some drab
and uninteresting visuals. Matthew McConaughey stars as the handsome, smooth-talking and
***-kicking hero - who searches for a fabled lost Civil War ship in the middle of the African
desert, while simultaneously stopping some rich white guys from polluting the region
for profit, and exploiting the locals. The always versatile Steve Zahn stars as the plucky
comic relief, and rarely overstays his welcome, portraying just the right balance between
goofball jokester, and capable companion. Penelope Cruz is exquisitely beautiful and
charming as the love-interest, who is more than able to hold her own with her swashbuckling
compatriots. William H. Macy, Rainn Wilson, and Delroy Lindo round out the cast with amusing,
if unmemorable performances. The big disappointments are Lambert Wilson and Lennie James as the
villains: both are uninspired and mostly forgettable in very formulaic, one-dimensional roles,
remarking to each other, " Don't worry. It's Africa. Nobody cares about Africa.". The 124
minute picture drags a bit, but moves quickly enough, feeling like a modern-day Indiana
Jones epic, complete with terrific use of classic-rock staples, and an effective score
from Clint Mansell. It's impossible not to smile when our protagonists MacGuyver a wind-surfing
ride out of a busted plane to escape the burning desert, as Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride"
blares
in the background. Maintaining a light-tone throughout, this is a fast and fun adventure
the entire family can enjoy -- culminating with a bombastic finish that although a bit
unbelievable, is extremely rewarding. Feeling a bit familiar at times, and relying on a
rather outlandish plot, that eventually becomes unnecessarily complicated, this movie is far
from similar adventure epics that came before: populated with cookie-cutter heroes that receive
little depth or purpose. But as a disposable, popcorn date movie, you're unlikely to be
disappointed. I originally saw this film in theaters upon it's original release, and although
I'm dismayed to learn plans for a continuing franchise were halted, I'm more than happy
to watch this picture every couple years again on Bluray. Dumbed-down, mostly unoriginal,
and not truly thrilling until the final act, this is still a great time. "Sahara", "Big-budget
escapism, little else." Those are my thoughts, now lets read your reviews from the YouTube
comments.
Lets rank "Sahara"... a SIX and a SEVEN. You were decidely mixed on this picture, some
calling it unimpressive, and others citing it as a personal favorite, but ultimately,
you thought it was GOOD. My thoughts are conflicted here as well, while I absolutely love a grand
summer blockbuster, there's nothing that really stands out here either... perhaps more enjoyable
than it ought to be, this is a guilty pleasure for sure, I thought it was COOL.