Ground Control [DVD]

This movie is basically about Kiefer Sutherland being a capable character actor and turning in a solid performance as an ATCO in a typically late-90s made for TV movie.Look, for what it is, four stars is probably being overly generous, but in the airplane-movie genre this is a very solid and dependable movie that provides escapism and brain candy for 90 minutes. You do genuinely experience the intense normality that controllers go through on a shift-to-shift basis, as well as the innate competitiveness of people who have trained themselves to neuter their sensitivity to others and the 'souls' aboard the aircraft. You sense through Sutherland's body language that he is more aware of that than the others, despite the fact that his slick delivery is spot on and he is extremely percipient of the reality in his radar.The supporting cast feel a bit perfunctory at times, as this really is Sutherland's movie, but everyone plays their role pretty well. There has some plot leads that don't go anywhere, like the rivalry between Sutherland and Cruz getting swallowed up by the plot and the running time. It just seems to evaporate and there isn't even a reconciliation scene between the pair. Another plot lead that isn't exploited is the budding romance between Harris and Julie Albrecht.At the end of the film there's a strange encounter between Harris and the Captain of the flight he saved. The whole scene just feels clumsy, as does the lack of dialogue between Harris and Albrecht.The flight deck scenes were pretty good and conveyed some tension, as did Harris's rushing about the control tower and calling in the flight. As usual, there were a more than plentiful dose of cliches, but nothing too glaring to take too much away from a watchable TV movie.

I don't pretend to be a semipro film critic. Hopefully just a bit of advice...that's all.It's dated.It's low budget.It centres on one location only really...the control room of an airport.Yet in spite of this. This entertains from start to end.It's drama that shows how dificult a job the aircraft controller can have.It is not as good as pushing tin...not even close.But def worth a few quid if you're thinking of buying the dvd.I'd pay no more than £3.ish.

Not a bad film bit slow to start with but picks up towards the end. In real life we have so much to thank the Ground Control & the pilots for safe travel which this film catchers well.

Made in the days when you could hear the dialogue over the music and when it wasn't necessary to use the f word in every sentence this DVD is worth £2 of anybody's money. A solid plot, well acted, satisfying conclusion. Yes, it's dated (2002) but it is better than much of the total garbage on TV these days

I bought this film as I think Kiefer is a great actor and after reading the reviews thought this must be worth watching. I must admit I found it rather boring and although there are some big names in it, I've seen much better films with Kiefer. I was rather pleased that it only cost me £2. I think if you are into planes and control rooms then this could be for you.

excellent

order arrived on time ,everything was ok

Good story and good film, and yes enjoyable for not having to listen to senseless swearing all the time. Well worth a watch.