Movies: Sahara

Thursday, April 21, 2005


Sahara

✰✰

PG-13, 127 minutes, South Wind 12

Sahara is a second-rate version of a Jerry Bruckheimer creation. Although entertaining with its slapstick humor and perpetual, action-packed enemy encounters, Sahara lacks feasibility and interest. It is appealing to Indiana Jones fans and perhaps even a few Die Hard enthusiasts. However, Sahara fails to meet the high standards of the great classic action films of history.

Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey) is a thrill-seeking explorer with the pesky habit of finding himself in the middle of dangerous and life-threatening situations. His best friend and partner in crime, Al (Steve Zahn) comfortably fills the cliché but favored role of the immature sidekick that aims to please through comedic relief. Together the two comrades take on planes, trains, tanks and even camels to search for a missing Civil War battleship in West Africa.

Eva Rojas (Penelope Cruz) is a strong-willed doctor desperately seeking the source of a mysterious plague wiping out the people of Africa. Coincidentally, she becomes acquainted with Dirk and Al, where they manage to dodge every single speeding bullet and bomb aimed directly at them. It really is miraculous.

Sahara is an effortless film to watch because it takes very little thought or comprehension. The story line fits the familiar mold of the good guy saving the world, killing the bad guys and, of course, sharing a dreamy kiss with a beautiful girl underneath a blazing sun and breaking waves. Unfortunately, Sahara ran about thirty minutes too long, and overestimated the simplicity of its formula. With that said, I may be purchasing another ticket to the movie. Matthew McConaughey is undeniably gorgeous with a tan that would make Wayne Newton turn green with jealousy.

—Lauren Debiak

 

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