Sahara (2005)

Too much of everything

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

Enjoyable for 10 to 16-y-olds? Yes. It has everything a modern American adventure should have. But the clichés! If someone likes that sort of thing, fine. However, armed helicopters that never shoot straight; multiple armed river gunboats that aren't worth a damn against the heroic antics of the supreme amateur heroes of the movie;bad guys in the desert that sound French (of course, I'm surprised they don't sound Serb...); Stupid Washington officials that never listen or care even when the info is devastating; Escapes that only work in Heaven and Hollywood over-budgeted extravaganzas; You name it, this piece of star-studded waste has it. Oh, and the film is about industrial waste...What a waste of good money...4 out of 10 because of the immature audiences out there. But, aren't they tired of the same fast-food again and again? Seems not...

The opening Civil War battle scene alone is worth the price of admission. Then you sprinkle the movie with the irrepressible Matthew McConaughey, the smoldering and incredibly sexy Penélope Cruz, and the always entertaining Steve Zahn and you've the makings of something that could turn out quite well. Add an exciting and fun screenplay and you've got yourself a winner. I enjoyed this film immensely and have over the years put the CD (now Blu-ray disc) into the ole player sat back and had a bit of relaxed fun and even after the first and second watch excitement as well. This film is highly underrated and I hope with CD and Blu-ray sales it made some money because it simply deserved it. I wonder why the production budget was so high and am quite interested in trying to glean that bit of a puzzle out when the time presents itself. I loved the film and I think you might as well! I just performed some cursory research on why it cost over 200 million to produce and distribute Sahara. Here are just two I found and for the most part are just a cut and paste:1) About 1,000 cast and crew members worked on "Sahara." The highest- paid was McConaughey, who received an $8-million fee, or $615,385 for each week of filming, not including bonuses and other compensation. Lovely Penelope Cruz earned $1.6 million (deserved every penny of it). Whereas Rainn Wilson, who since has raised his profile through roles in "Six Feet Under" and "The Office," was paid $45,000 for 10 weeks of work.2) Ten screenwriters were paid almost $4 million in fees and bonuses — highlighting the increasingly common practice of hiring and firing numerous writers on big-budget features.Clearly these two items were not the cause for 160 million in production costs (and we're not even counting distribution costs, about another 90 million) so what did happen? It's almost like the organized crime produced this movie! I refuse to give a 10 to a movie that produced a huge loss for no apparent reason!

Sahara was a Very good Adventure,action and Comedy. I was entertained throughout the movie.it is humorous and action packed movie. I have watched this movie at least 3 times.Penelope Cruze done great work as a doctor came from W.H.O. Both Matthew McConaughey & Steve Zahn is done Appriciable work and The chemistry between Matthew McConaughey & Steve Zahn is very Good.After see this movie we want that Steve Zahn & Matthew McConaughey do at least another movie together.I particularly enjoyed the combination of Steve Zahn and Matthew McConaughey.There were a couple of scenes which made me laugh.the greatest things in the movie is the use of the ball.Everyone who played football on the streets probably chased a lose ball to an unknown place. For those Sahara holds a beautiful surprise So This is worth to watch and I Think that everyone see this movie.

First off, totally sad that this film didn't turn into the entertaining franchise it was hoped to become. The only highlight from that fact is that "Sahara" is something of a modern gem that delivers in every viewing. The more you see this film, the better you will appreciate the fine visual details and subtle screenplay. The cast is outstanding from stars to supporting actors and while the story may be more packaged that some would prefer, remember that this is molded in the "adventurer" tradition. "Sahara" packs a punch that is missing from all "Indiana Jones" sequels and is far better than other more "serious" adventure flicks for its comedic balance and superior, humane story line. This is proof that movie good guys can live every moment without anger like the lesser shoot-em-up films. Four stars for adventure, romance, friendship and action!