I was fortunate enough to go to the Sahara Screening in Austin yesterday, and even more fortunate to meet Matthew McConaughey as well!

However, I looked for Julie everywhere and could not find her, although now seeing the picture of her next to the trailer, she must have been standing on the other side of the carpet <_< .

Anyway, I went into this film thinking of it as a new Dirk Pitt Adventure. I knew that if I constantly compared it to Dr. Cussler's book then I wouldn't like it as much.

The verdict: The movie was amazing. It was very well paced and the action was great! The Calliope scene up the river was very fun to watch and done very well. Tebezza is out, and they don't explain the crashed plane in the desert, but those are really the only two drawbacks.

And those of you worrying about how the UN Special Forces team is not in it, another "team" (not Dirk and Al) replace it.

I believe that almost everyone on this forum will like this movie, those who don't will probably be upset about not keeping completely faithful to the book, but you never can.

In my opinion, this movie can launch the Dirk Pitt series, into a movie franchise.

Thomas p:

Steve Zahn was really very funny as Al Giordino, and he did in my opinion do a great job.

Macy was a perfect Sandecker, and the Texas' escape in the beginning was a great opening scene.

I will be getting pictures too (my digital camera ran out of batteries! yike: )so I getting them e-mailed to me from a friend, and I'll be sure to send them to Tony when I have them.

Thanks foe the great review. The movie seems to get thumbs up from most who have seen it.

Does that mean Dana's scenes were cut?

For those that don't wanna know, turn away now!!
















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Afraid so.

Damn.


Well, perhaps we'll get to see them on the DVD...

ok I am a big fan of the books.

The movie made dirk and Al ex Navy Seals(False)
Numa's sole purpose is findingg treasure
they never explained why the plain was in the desert
lincoln was not involved.
other then that it was an ok movie.

Over all I was very displeased as I am sure Dr Cussler is as well, the movie is set up at the end for more movies, which would be ok but someone needs to get there censored together and make a dirk movie that is the book. To the rest of you fans go see it and lets hear what you all think

This film was not a bad attempt at turning Dirk into a big screen movie but in my opinion there was to many bits missing and anyone that has not read the novel would be left lost as some of you have said how did the boat get there? what happened to kitty mattock?

The film was a good action film but I am sorry to say you will never be able to create the the pure genius of cussler when your read him especially when it comes to the cast.

I was annoyed that sandecker had a tummy and he was not ginger.

well I hope you all watch it and leave your real feeling on here for us all to see

Matt

Granted you can't get a movie to match the book in most cases. But you can choose actors whose acting credits and/or physical appearance somewhat resembles the main characters in some way. The movie fails miserably in this regard concerning the actors chosen to play Dirk and Al.

I just got back from the movie and I have to say it was a lot better than I thought it would be.

WARNING: MOVIE SPOILER AHEAD

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I was a little disappointed that the Lincoln angle was not included. Also, the Kitty Minnock angle was left out too. But, that really didn't take away from the movie. Even though I would like to have both items in the movie, I doubt it would have made much difference. They really rushed through the discovery of the Minnock plane. It was just sitting there tail up in the desert. They found the toolkit, and the next thing you see, Al and Pitt are riding through the desert on the "Windsail". No mention of Kitty's diary. There was also no "Hello, my name is Clive Cussler" scene either. That would have been cool .. at least for us Cussler fans".
As for the movie itself... It is an action movie. There aren't really any slow moments in the movie. The story kind of moved from one event to the other. There were also a lot of funny moments. This was a perfect role for Steve Zahn. He was definitely Al Giordino. I was not initially crazy about McConahey being Pitt, but he pulled it off and in convincing fashion. I wanted somebody like Rip Torn for Sandecker. Only because I picture him for some reason when I read Cussler. Oddly enough, I picture William Macy as Rudi Gunn. But, he filled the Sandeck role nicely. As far as the story line goes, Rudi Gunn still got the water sample/Red Tide evidence to NUMA. But, there was no rescue scene with the UN troops at the airport for him. He was smuggled out in the back of a livestock truck and next thing you know, he's in Sandecker's office on the boat. There was no cannibal scene. I would have like to seen that so it would underscore the seriousness of the Red Tide. Also, they left out the human slave stuff at Massard's fortress and the old fort siege where Pitt held the gun to Eva's forehead before Al rescued them. Instead, they rolled all of that into the CSS Texas Ironclad in the desert where it was Pitt, Giordino, and Rojas surrounded by Kazim's army. The resucuers in this case was the rebel group "The Tauregs".. which all 3 had befriended.
That's enough of the spoiler stuff. There are other things that were left out, but I won't go into anymore detail here.

END SPOILER

So, having said all of that, this movie was really good. Had I not read Sahara (or any Cussler book), this would have probably been a better movie for me. I'm sure after I see it a couple more times, all of that will be forgiven.
I think it's a great start for a franchise or series of movies based on Cussler books, which are ideal for movies. I believe they set the framework for that at the end of movie when the Ambassador asked Sandecker to fold NUMA into the government. (At least I think he was an ambassador. He may have been a station chief).
I recommend this movie to all.. Cussler fan or not. If Cussler can work out the differences with the studio, they will definitely have a successful series of movies.

I hope this helps you somewhat as a review.

Cheers.

I agree with you.

If there is another movie made they will be able to go more in depth about the characters, I want to see the hanger, I wasnt to hear from Hiriam and St Julian. I also want Dirks dad invoved and of course his relationship with his fiture wife.

I guess we can all hope. I did like the fact the scene at the end with the car, it gives the cussler fans some satisfactin they kept some things.

Well enough spoilers. let me just say that as a Dirk Pitt fan I liked the movie. Yes it had changed form the book but at least they didn't bucher it as bad as Raise the Titanic. I did like the interaction between Dirk and Al. I was happy with the proformance of steve Zann as Al and Mathew Mcconaughey as Dirk. I didn't like the way they protraid Rudi Gunn. they made him almost a total geek. As for Sandecker Macy did a wonderfull job.

I do understand the changes in not making NUMA a goverment agency until the end of the movie but it does set the ground work for the next movie. (IF there is one.)

I agree that if you go without many expectations you will enjoy the movie as an action adventure film. but if you critize it in every detail to the book you will be diappointed.

As for my critisium I have 2.

1. they made Al very attached to whatever head gear he had at the time.

2. there was no information about Kitty and the plane. it kind of left a hole in the story about where the plane came from.

But in the end I would say go and see it. and like Dr. Cussler said, "If it is a sucedd I will be laughing all the way to the Bank." Well start laughing and colecting the money.

Hey out there..Just seen Sahara, loved it,great soundtrack. Anyone agree?

Just got home from seeing the movie. Loved it.
We all knew that the movie wouldn't follow the book, so with that in mind, just be
ready for a fun movie. Which it is.

Kujo 54

I just got back from seeing it too.

It's correct to say that you do have to think of it like a new DP adventure. I think the only things in the movie that were similar to the book was the desert, Kazim, Massarde, the solar plant, and the landyacht. They got the DP/AG routine down. But I they tried to portray Dirk as more of a comedian. There wasn't much shown of the relationship between Dirk and Eva. Also, I never portrayed Eva as having an accent that, uh, thick. The whole deal with Dirk and Al being ex-SEALS - no,no, no, no, NO!!! yike: Probably the only reason for that would be so that the studio could explain how Dirk and Al could shoot and kill so quickly and easily. Gunn was portrayed as too much of a nerd, I guess. They also gave him to many humorous lines. And why on Earth did they have NUMA be a private organization? Maybe it was so they would be like the REAL NUMA, but the real NUMA doesn't spend its time treasure hunting. I kinda liked the whole deal with the Confederate gold, but Lincoln would've been better. The ending on the Texas I guess was supposed to take the place of the fort battle with UNICRATT. The way Dirk and Al brought down the chopper showed their resourcefulness.

Other than that, it was an okay adventure movie.

This is my review and thoughts on Sahara for what they are worth. First of let me clarify a few things. I am a big Clive Cussler fan. I have read all is Dirk Pitt books, some several times. I have several signed first editions. I have a really nice letter from him which I framed and have hanging on my wall. Oh and did I tell you, I'm also a humungous Doxa fan and own www.doxa300t.com. So, whether Clive likes the movie or not I was always going to see it. OK that’s out of the way.

Today my wife and I hit the 3:30 matinee showing here in Pittsburgh. We were both wearing our orange dial Doxa SUBs and both looking forward to the film. There were 8 people in the theatre when the movie started……. There were still 8 in it when it finished. I went expecting a movie which would be nothing like the story Clive wrote and an actor who would portray a Dirk Pitt unlike the one I had imagined. I wasn’t disappointed, as I think I was right on both counts. Matthew McConaughey is not the Dirk Pitt I imagined and Sahara the movie bears little resemblance to Sahara the novel. However, having said that, both the missus and I really liked the film. It was enjoyable, funny and exciting at times. Overall a 7 or 8 out of 10. The orange Doxa was visible I many scenes and there were several clear shots of the Doxa fish on the clasp and the bright orange dial. Unfortunately none were close enough that the name Doxa could be made out. Then halfway through the movie, the watch vanished from Matthew McConaughey’s wrist only to be seen again in the closing moments. From a Doxa perspective, I watched the final credits and I couldn’t see any mention of Doxa. No “watches supplied by DOXA .S.A.” or anything like that. Pity really. Again from a Doxa perspective a scene at the beginning of the movie with Dirk getting out of the water and grabbing a handrail with the camera panning over his hand, wrist (and Doxa) and then watching the athletic figure climb up would have been a perfect product placement and introduction? Hey, maybe the next movie……

Was the movie an Indiana Jones? No, not really, but then I don’t think it was meant to be. Was it a good action romp with a great buddy, buddy feel? Yep it sure was and both MM and Steve Zahn played well off each other. They looked like they had fun making this movie and I’d certainly like to see them make another couple. Penelope Cruz was good eye candy but if she is a talented actress then she certainly wasn’t stretched in this part. She had about 10 lines, most of which consisted of “Oh my God!”

For me there is no way that they could have made a movie true to Clive’s book. Heck this show was nearly 2 hours long and they cut the story to shreds, leaving only the main elements. I personally think that Clive should have bit his lip and stood behind this movie. He could happily “puke all the way to the bank”. But be didn’t and for me the biggest loser was him and his daughter. Sure he is a very successful author and doesn’t need the fame and glory, but he could have had his walk on part and the scenes with his daughter Dayna as Kitty Mannock (which I think were integral to the story) wouldn’t have got cut. I feel sorry for her the most. His son is taking over the writing of a successful series, unless he is a complete plonker, he can’t fail to be successful and I think the way Black Wind was written shows the guy can handle it. Clive’s other daughter has taken over as publicist so you now the Cussler family will reap rewards long after the old man is gone. That’s why I feel sorry for Dayna, this was her bit of the action and in my mind Clive blew it. OK maybe his daughter backed her dad all the way but, that’s what kids do. This would have been a feather in her acting cap but because of a fight between her dad and the makers she got trashed. Again, real pity that.

Now I hope the above doesn’t sound to mean spirited, but as a father and author. Yep my pathetic wee novel made me 250 bucks in royalties and is probably not decent enough for Clive to wipe his arse with. The man is a writing colossus compared to me, but if someone wanted to make a stinker of a movie of my book and cast my daughter in it, even as a bit part, I’d tear their lips off in the rush to sign the contract. That’s what dad’s do. Jeez I better stoop now before I sound like I’m trying to trash the guy. Believe me I’m not. He is one of my heroes.

OK that’s my take on it. It was good. I liked it. It was a bit disjointed but I’ll buy the DVD and hope they add the other 30 or 40 minutes they must have cut out. They actually cut out bits that were in the trailers. Go see it, you’ll like it. But just don’t go expecting to see the novel Clive Cussler wrote.

Pete

I took off work early to see the movie. i tried to forget that it was a dirk pitt movie based on one of my favorite books of all time, that being said, it was a good movie. to me it was the equivelent of watching a Clancy book turned into a movie. you expect some changes, but if you go into the movie with an open mind you will not be disappointed, but if you are looking for a clone of the book then you are probably better off not watching the movie.

i was hesitant about matthew mcconahey being dirk pitt, but he did a pretty good. i loved the way that dirk and al played off each other. it was like watching an old married couple, that new each other way to well. it was beautiful.

overall i really enjoyed the movie. i think if you go, you need to have an open mind and try not to compare it to the book or else you will be disappointed.

Well i have not seen the movie ,but my first question is,did anyone involved with the movie even read the books .none of the actors cast in the parts even come close to the discription of the charactors in the books.Al is suppose to be Italian the actor playing him is a wasp what gives.

In fairness to all the actors involved in the movie, none to my mind bear any resemblance to what I imagined from reading the books, however, that didn't stop me enjoying the movie. Let's face ot there have been 6 actors to play James Bond. Did any of them come close to what people imagined from the books or what Fleming imagined when he wrote them? Who knows, but it didn't stop the movies becoming the most successful franchise in movie history.

Everyone who reads a Cussler novel has a different idea about what Pitt and Al look like. No move maker can hope to satisfy all his audience. MM and Zahn did a great job. Sure Steve Z aint Italian but he carries Al well in my opinion.

I have been telling people about Cussler, Dirk Pitt and Doxa watches for years. Most people I meet have never heard of Clive Cussler. Amazing, since the guys has over 100 million books in print. Yet for the last week when I mentioned Sahara, almost everyone had heard of it and said, it looked good from the trailers.

Movie makers don't just cater to the likes of us who have read all of Cussler, are big fans and are opinionated barstewards when it comes to how the move should be made and who should play the characters. I bet if any one of us had cast and made the movie to our liking, loads of people would say our choices and direction sucked.

I was a strong disbeliever in MM as Pitt. I was pleasantly surprised at how he did his job. It worked for me.

You just can't go up against people's imaginations and hope to win. It's probably better not to try to appease ever reader, but go for the wider audience who have'nt any preconcieved ideas.

Pete

I agree with what seems the majority opinion so far: The movie was excellent. I'm a long time Cussler fan and a HUGE Dirk fan, and I'm telling you, the essence of the character was there. You cannot expect a 2 hour movie to include all the little details and nuances of a friggin novel. Accept it. Yes, they could have introduced the plane a little better, but that would have added quite a bit of time to the movie and would it really have contributed much? Remember, most of the audience hasn't seen the books... Anyways, outstanding job as far as I'm concerned, it's a good adaptation of the books, keeping the SPIRIT of Dirk and including most of the important sequences.

I cant believe they managed to kill another Cussler book like this. As the movie strayed further and further away from the plot of the book, it inevitably worsened. By the end, it was painful. Actors did a good job, but the script/plot they were given was atrocious. The only way there will ever be a decent movie based on his books will be if Cussler directs it himself.

they didn't follow the book nearly as much as they should've. My review 2 thumbs down on the movie even without going after the book. They just didn't link anything together in it. AND FOR GOD SAKES RUDI GUNN AND AL GIORDINO WERE TERRIBLE (little funny though)

and further more they didn't capture the essence of dirk pitt and they made him a damn treasure hunter? He is but not in the way they made him just bad movie that's all.

Well, I just got back from seeing Sahara and first off I must say that when you go in trying to compare the movie to the book, of course it's going to be horrible. That's how I went in thinking, but after awhile I realized how I had somewhat underestimated the movie. Now McConaughey would not have been my choice as Dirk Pitt, but he still did fairly good job, not as good as we all probably would have like, but fair. I know the many transitions throughout the movie from place to place would have left many people as confused to what is taking place and the only reason I was able to follow the transitions was because I have read Sahara as have many other Cussler fan, but all the other "average" people would have been left in the dark as to what was happening. I also felt a little more history was needed on the crew of NUMA, especially of course Dirk and Al. As we all knew this movie would never measure up to the book, but putting all knowledge of the book aside, I really enjoyed this movie contrary to all my complaints. It had plenty of action, the comedy was good, it kept my attention, and it was something different. I am also glad they decided to keep the fancy car in the movie for Dirk, at least they left some clue as to his car-collecting hobby. Overall, viewing this as an "Average Joe" I would have to say Sahara was a good movie.

th:

I, too, just got back from seeing the movie. Took the girls from work and some of the husbands, too, and everyone LOVED it, not having read the book first, and said they WOULD see it again.

I'll be seeing it again, myself, on Sunday with Dad for my birthday. He's the TRUE fan - he's read ALL the books; I jumped on the Cussler bandwagon through him and Dirk (former colleagues and good friends from work w: ). It will be interesting to find out what Dad thinks of the movie, having read the book prior.

I feel that Matthew made a great Dirk, and in comparison to Hugh Jackman, I think this was the right choice. That way, if the franchise takes off, Matthew can age with the character.

I, too, was disappointed that Dayna wasn't in it, and there was no Clive walk-on; those were the parts I was most looking forward to. But all-in-all, it was a great action adventure, and I hope to see more in the future.

I'm also looking forward to visiting Clive's auto museum in CO.

Congratulations, Mr. Cussler, and if you're not happy with it - give 'em Hell! :lol:

I thought the movie was well done. I think they captured the chemistry well between Dirk and Al. I was hoping Clive Cussler would have made a hidden appearence. Also, St Julian P.

Dirk was cast well...Al too, i just wish he was a little bigger

Does anyone know if they will make another? If so, which one would you want to see made next? det:

Initial reaction: SO GOOD! It's late and I have an early morning so I will post more tomorrow but the 2.5 year wait was well worth it. Great job to all the cast and crew, it's just too bad they couldn't have had a script that Clive would have approved, and it's easy to see why he didn't approve this one. Here's to more movies! beer:

I got such a kick out of this movie! Yes parts were jumpy and passed over quickly, yes it didn't follow the book exactly, but it is what it did do that counts...

This movie is the perfect introduction to Dirk Pitt for the "younger" generation (ie. under 25ish). I took my sister to it and she's now thinking about reading the book! (This says alot because she rarely reads anything that isn't a magazine) It is a fun movie, that captures the commradery of Dirk and Al, Rudi and Sandecker and leaves it open perfectly for sequels. The next one will be even better since all the intros are done with and the main idea of Dirk and Al has been shown! The theatre was almost full at both showings today in Medicine Hat, Alberta and was full of all age groups which is great!

I went into the movie pushing the book out of my mind and just preparing to have a good time. I wasn't too dissapointed. Overall I would give it 75%. The boat scene annoyed me, but what would people have said if Al came out from below with a rocket launcher and said to Dirk: "look what I found". Also in response to somebody's post earlier, yes Zahn read the book and personally appealed to Cussler to get the part of Giordino. Yes, he doesn't fit as far as his build, hair, and ethnicity, but he really does well as Al and made me smile walking out of the theatre. MM is perfect for Dirk imo. Dirk is the kind of character that you aspire to be, and in the movie you felt that way, "I wanna be him." Though there wasn't enough wordplay between Dirk and the baddies. I'm rambling now... good movie, will buy it on DVD, get all your friends to watch it, and hope it makes enough for a sequal.

My wife and I went and saw Sahara last night.
All in all it was a very good movie.
To everyone complaining and whining about no Lincoln subplot...no Tebezza and so on. To put all that in a movie it would end up being 8 hours. I thought that Matthew McConahay and Steve Zahn got the comaradarie of Dirk and Al down well. I'm not real crazy about Penelope Cruz as Eva Rojas but what's done is done.
I think that most of us will admit that the teeth of the story is in the movie. As a true Cussler fan I look at this movie as a good thing. After seeing the movie more people will read Sahara, find out what Dirk is all about and then be hooked on Cussler like all of us.
If this movie does well and Dirk Pitt builds a huge fan base of the general public I believe that we will see more Dirk Pitt films that will follow the books closer providing that Doc Cussler will allow another movie.

Here's my take on things, having read all the books several times (except BW, only once so far).

The Review:
Standing on its own, this movie was a flat out GREAT time. I had my reservations about the cast, but everybody pulled it off very well. MM did indeed capture the "spirit" of Pitt, albeit a little more on the cocky side (similar to the early books, tho). Zahn as Al was a pleasant surprise, as his character looked a bit too much on the "zany" side from the trailers, but actually wasn't. I did enjoy that when it came time for business, both of them turned "all business" and showed the deadly seriousness they're known for when it's needed. The interplay between Dirk and Al was fantastic and completely believeable. Rudi wasn't exactly the same, but acceptable. William H Macy as Sandecker? I was cringing at the thought going in, but he nailed it. And having Delroy Lindo was a great bonus (one of my favorite character actors).The overall feel can be summed up in one word: FUN!

Story Deviation Issues:
I reread the book last week for perspective, and can now see just how hard it is to distill what would easily be a 4 or 5 hour experience into just 2. I think the scriptwriters did a pretty good job of trimming and tweaking the story to make the movie flow. Some people have issues with things being left out (Tebezza, UNICRATT, et al), but remember what happened with the James Bond franchise - elements being taken from different stories and used in others. We all know how they did at the box office, too. While I hope this doesn't happen with Dr. Cusslers stories, as long as the end result "works", I don't really have a problem with it. I think I understand how Dr. Cussler feels about his creations (though I've never met him or know him personally), and I do understand sticking to your principles. This being said, I hope he doesn't stand in the way of any sequels, because the Pitt franchise has a REAL chance of success this time around and would be a breath of fresh air in a town starved for ORIGINAL material. Case in point: of 4 trailers I saw, TWO of the were for remakes (War of the Worlds, The Longest Yard). Will I see these? Most likely I will, but the second one will be on PPV or DVD. Will I buy a Sahara DVD? Without a doubt I will.

Bottom line is the movie rocked. If anyone not familiar with the books asks you about it, give them the same advice I give: See the movie first, THEN read the book. You then get the benefit of having two different experiences.

th:

Come on Steve as Giordino. Gotta love that Cheeky SMile, almost completely forgot the character was supposed to be italian short stocky and have tight black curly hair. That guys grin made me laugh so much.

Now Matthew as Dirk..... when he bent over Eva..... thats DIRK PITT right there. His teeth however almost blinded me :D

The chemistry between these two guys was impressive. It made the film infact

Sandecker was well played by Macy. "They did a Panama" genius

Rudi was well........... Fat and way too nerdy but you can't have everything.

General Kazim was nicely evil Mwuhahahaha

Was it just me or did anyone else not See Dana Cussler as Kitty Manock in there?

All in all entertaining film. Almost text book American hollywood but i'm british so i have to say that.

WHY WEREN'T THE NUMA SHIPS TURQUOISE DAMNIT.

Now if they just make Inca Gold my life will be complete

I saw the movie yesterday in Las Vegas. small attendence but it was the 11.00 am showing. If you hadn't read the book ( 5 times like me) it would be an exiting adventure story. However there is really no chance to get to know the real Dirk Pitt. The opening scene going thru the ship with all the newspaper articles about Pitt was wrong as there was no way Pitt would keep articles about himself. Not our worldsaver. The threat of the red tide wasn't made strong enough. The Calyope was just another runabout-no firepower. No scenes between Dirk and Kasim-or Willy the Weasle as Dirk called him. Cruz was wasted as Eva had a small part. Dirk and Al never looked like they were thirsty. I live in Las Vegas and am thirsty all the time. I hope there is a next movie and the non reading world gets to know Dirk and Al like we do. Also Rudi Gunn looked out of place. And where was Hiram
Yeager and Sir Julian? Also one minor point-Dirk wasn't in the Navy. He was in the Air Force otherwise he would not have gone to the Air Force Acadamy. Next movie hopefully will be Inca Gold-Let's get Loren Smith in the movie.
Ricky Neross

Read the book again a few months ago and my wife and I just saw the movie last night!

First of all, many story element plot events are not in the movie (as noted by other CC fans) and the major character backgrounds have been changed, ... so don't expect it to be a faithful adaptation of Clive Cussler's book.

Movie Rating IMHO = 4 Stars out of 5 th:

It's a Hollywood epic feeling, buddy film & the INTRO is literally a blast!!!** (no spoiler's here)

Some of the trailers show some, not all of the bomblastic highlights and that's good since the story unfolds with some unexpectations.

Dirk Pitt (Matthew McConaughey) and & Al Giordino (Steve Zahn) are, perfectly cast as the elite daring do team. The chemistry between Dirk and Al are believable and well played to the observed audience approval (& laughter) around us - Century THX Theater was 3/4+ full - late show staring 9:10pm.

My wife noted, and I agree that Dirk Pitt's character is not fully flushed out for those not familiar with Clive Cussler's books, but otherwise Matthew McConaughey did a very fine job!

I thought the other principal castings were A-OK, including Penelope Cruz (Dr. Eva Rojas).

At 2 hrs 7 mins., they covered the plots (trailer reveals those) in the story from beginning to end with efficiency while adding interesting side scene events in-between.

All-in-all, excellent pop-corn entertaining blockbuster movie.

**Music added to the action and I can't wait to get the DVD and really feel the LFE with my SVS 25-31PCi sub!!! :)

Phil

Ok dear readers listen up to Uncle Albert's official movie review.

It was ok. I am still disappointed in my namesake's character being totally and utterly destroyed and many of the key scenes being completely ignored and WHERE WAS THE BIG CIGAR CAPER??? Al has to at some point get to freak out Sandecker about how the heck he is getting his brand of cigars. Problem is that the movie version of Al doesn't seem to smoke them! DONT DO THIS TO ME MAN!

McC does an adequate job of Pitt but still not my choice. As I said earlier my choice would have been Gerrard Butler but what do I know?

Note to Clive.....just let em do what they want to chief and laugh all the way to the bank. Your readers know what the real deal is and we will always love you for it!

Peace
Uncle Albert p:

I went in knowing it was not the same as the book, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. All in all it was a fun movie, and both I and Adele enjoyed it. The casting wasn't TO bad, but they made Rudy look like a cross between a geek and a clown.The chemistry between "Dirk" and "Al" played good, and the way they brought down the copter was neat, but I don't think PC did a real good job as Eva.That said, I can see WHY the Doc nixed the script, but it was a good film all the same, even though I do wish it were closer to the book. Just my 2 cents.

I sense a Paramount plant here ...

I don't know, call me crazy, but you would think that with the author suing your for upwards of $90 MILLION and complaining for over a year, one would keep the scenes in that had his daughter in to placate him somewhat ...

but I'm just funny that way ...

You talk like that's a bad thing! ARGH! p:

I really liked the movie. I would have loved it had a couple key parts been left in, but I did enjoy the final product. The packed audience also seemed to love it - especially Al.

I liked MM as Pitt, but I must say, despite the fact that Zahn did not at all resemble the Al I have in my mind, I thought he was terrific, very funny at the right times, and I think they should keep him in the "Al" role if there is ever to be a future movie. I do think MM and Zahn had great chemistry together.

I was not impressed with how they portrayed Rudi Gunn. He's supposed to be Sandecker's right hand man, and instead, to me, he came across as a bumbling silly kid. However, he did having me laughing despite that. I need to see the movie a second time so I can pick up what I missed during a potty break and the baby sitter calling multiple times. :blink:

Caught Sahara last night, and I really liked it. Sure, it didn't follow the book word for word or scene for scene, but for me it captured the spirit and flavor of the novel. (If you want a movie that's an exact replica of the book source check out Sin City.) And remember, the James Bond movies based on Ian Fleming's novels didn't follow his stories exactly, either.
I liked the chemisty among the characters, the action, the pace (all the things most of the professional critics didn't like.) It is a great popcorn move. After all, and I'm not being sacrireligious here, the novels are pulp adventure tales on a grand scale. That's what I like about them. And Sahara the movie feels like an old-fashioned pulp adventure serial. There's plenty of action, plenty of humor, a lot of fun.
I'll see it again, and I look forward in a few months when the DVD becomes available (hopefully with a few behind-the-scenes, maybe even something with Clive Cussler).
Matthew McConaughey is a good Dirk, Steve Zahn was a better Al than I anticipated, I thought William H. Macy made a perfect Sandecker. The ending left an opening for future movies, and McConaughey has said he'd like to do a Dirk Pitt series. I hope he gets the chance.
You know, another option for Dr. Cussler, if he wanted his novels translated into a visual medium, would be to put together a miniseries or limited run series of one or two of them. Inca Gold would be a good one to adapt in that format, for example. A mini/limited run series could take into consideration all aspects of a novel's plot and subplots, provide more character development and get more of the favorite scenes onto the screen, too. TNT, Hallmark, maybe even SciFi or HBO or Showtime could handle a project that big.
Just a thought.
As for Sahara, take it for what it is -- a fun, Saturday matinee action-packed adventure popcorn movie with characters we've grown to love jumping from the written page to the silver screen. :D

snor: well saw sahara last night and i went in having read the book and i must admit story wise i was dissapointed the movie was good 3 out of 5 stars but to me they made dirk out to be obsessed with the ironclad which he weasnt remember in the book he only stumbled on to that as he was searching for the source of the red tide i thought the kitty scenes should have been left in there because i heard a number of people say in the theatre "how did that plane get there" so that atleast should have been left in there t: the interaction between dirk and al i thought were played out very well the scene of them in the truck was funny i laughed when al dropped all the guns on the ground :lol: i thought they made rudi out to be too nerdy and dopey would have loved to see the cannibal scene and the mines in the movie espicially when al kills that big slave of kazimms but all in all not bad has anybody heard any opening night money figures yet?? because money will decide if there is an inca gold made or not w: snor: