Final Approach (1991)

So much average

Redundant and unnecessary.

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

For those who thought that this film was hard to follow because it didn't make any sense until the end. Well that is the point with this film. I mean the viewer is in the exact position as Sikking. First "that" is going on, and at the next minute we are somewhere totally else. We are in Sikkings "shoes" so to speak, and what he is trying to figure out is the same thing we the viewers are trying to grasp as well. So you are supposed to be confused. Thats the idea. And to be confused but trying different solutions along the way just to get the carpet pulled away under your feet in the end, well thats a very good film in my book. Masterpiece.

I actually rented this film just one lunchtime, to watch later that night, but when I put the film on to check it's quality, I ended up watching it all the way through to the end! In fact, I ended up with quite a shock when the ending came, because I thought I'd figured the plot out but was, in fact, way off line. Great acting by two fine actors, (Sikking & Elizondo, who is one of my favourite actors). OK, as far as sets go it could have been a stage play, but how would you show the events leading up to the air crash, and also Halsey's (Sikking) past life. The digital sound is superb and can give you quite a jolt at times as the sound FX are a good deal more dynamic than the dialogue. Some great low thumps from a good sub-woofer all the way through the film. The twist at the end is beautifully handled, and those people who got bored with this film really should watch it for the consciousness that it awakens in you. Maybe that's the way it really is, know one knows, but if it's someone like Hector Elizondo doing the 'remembering' bit, then I for one would be quite happy, as his 'shrink' technique was superb. Don't knock this little film, after all, everybody knocked Blade Runner and now it's a cult classic.

I have watched this film at least twenty times and have always come away rewarded. The search for action, adventure, are fruitless. However the twists and depth, and the ability of Elizondo to disrupt your train of thought are amazing. This film gets into your head. The comparisons to Jacob's Ladder are trivial. This film relies on subtlety, and misdirection, to bring you in, as opposed to the shock and "underground governmental experiment" genre that was conveyed in Jacob's Ladder. Any adult who has respect for cutting edge film making, needs to see this.

Final Approach is a very different movie and people with the thrill-a-minute attitude will never get it. The sound effects in this movie are incredible for their day. There are hundreds of different effects to tantalize your ears. The entire point of the movie will be come apparent to everyone in the final seconds of the movie. The litmus test is to see when someone watching the movie for the first time says "Ah Ha! I understand what is happening...." Those who get to the end of the movie without getting it should be allowed to return to their 7-11 night manager job and you should talk to them later.I suggest this movie to anyone who likes to watch movies where at least some thought is required.