Sahara

Sahara perfectly fulfills the requirements of a summer adventure blockbuster. It has a reasonably (although still amusing) constructed plot about searching for a mythical treasure (although this one is quite massive), with an additional storyline about doctors fighting against an unknown infection, both of which are skillfully intertwined. The combination of comedy, adventure, action, and serious subject matter like disease-ridden Africa surprisingly doesn't feel like an eyesore. On the contrary, it is quite logically (within the context of the film) integrated and enhances the already high level of effectiveness of the movie. The production design, while it must be acknowledged that the helicopter flyovers over the desert don't quite fit in, otherwise indulges in grand shots of moving cars and camels, surprisingly sparingly. Moreover, both formally and content-wise (perhaps even more so), it strongly resembles the third installment of Indiana Jones, and if we had Dirk instead of Matthew McConaughey, it could easily be considered the fourth installment of the "archaeological adventures" even without Steven Spielberg. True, in many aspects, Sahara has its own distinct elements, such as the mentioned epidemic, and most importantly, it features Penelope Cruz in the leading female role, who delivers an incredible performance. It is worth watching the film just for her presence alone. But a second viewing? Maybe again in the summer. (08/14/2005)

Average, average, and more average. And it's certainly not as good as the book, which is excellent. I don't know why, but it seemed to me that each of the actors was only putting half the effort in. Yet McConaughey is a good fit for Dirk Pitt - unfortunately, he hasn't lent him anything but his body (which, as a straight man, is not good enough for me). Penélope Cruz is the same, but I like her better, Steve Zahn was annoying most of the time, but I can't deny him a few (I guess only two) good jokes. The best of all is William H. Macy in an uncharacteristic boss role. As far as the action scenes are concerned, they were handled quite well, the atmosphere of the desert helps the film a lot, the African villains are not bad either... It's just that the script smacks of stupidity here and there. Two and a half stars. (10/08/2009)

Dirk Pitt is a dime novel mix of Doctor Henry Jones and that self-confident Bond, James Bond. The movie Dirk Pitt would also like to be like that, but he is acted by Matthew McConaughey and therefore lacks any charisma whatsoever. The unfunny sidekick acted by Steve Zahn suffers from same problem. And, apart from this considerable criticism, it isn’t really so bad. At least at the beginning. The opening credits certainly throw out a line and the beginning keeps you on the hook. The Sahara offers a wealth of exotic locations, the solid and frequent action is great entertainment with just the right adventurous “haze" about it. These impressions are spoiled by the over-long playing time, the change of genre half way through and the strange music that sounds like its come out of some bad romantic comedy. (01/05/2008)

It took me half an hour before it fully hit me that I was watching one of the worst movies of recent times. But in the end, I endured Sahara diligently, because I could not believe that such a group of people could commit themselves to this. An avalanche of logical gaps, unrelated situations, and insane dialogues with a dysfunctional action finale. Unfortunately, they succeeded. One star for Panama. (02/20/2007)

"Sahara" is a classic American action film. It doesn't stand out in any way, but it tries to entertain both with humor and action-packed scenes. It succeeds in both aspects, although it is by no means a great piece of art. Let's face it, it's nothing unusual in this genre. Interesting exteriors, muscular heroes, beautiful heroines, usually with attributes that please the male eye, along with some clumsy character who comes up with a bad joke and occasionally shows some good humor to save the day, because he wasn't there for no reason. It must be said that some B-movie concepts are suppressed in "Sahara", but it still remains within the boundaries of an everyday spectacle that doesn't have any added value for you, except maybe the fact that you can go on a family trip again. To the cinema, at least. Matthew McConaughey delivers his usual performance, pleasant for women, and he won't bother most guys too much. Steve Zahn once again plays one of his clumsy characters. He doesn't have much space, he doesn't offend, occasionally amuses, and he is always a great buddy you can rely on. Penélope Cruz doesn't have much to say, luckily she isn't used as a sex symbol, as was the case in the movie "Sexy Pistols", her role is slightly deeper and there is no emphasis on the romantic aspect either. So, if I had to choose between "Sahara" and a similarly themed film like "Fool's Gold", I would choose "Sahara". Mainly because I can tolerate Penélope and I really can't stand Kate Hudson. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/11/sahara-stormbreaker-syriana-andelsky.html (03/02/2013)