Der Flug des Phoenix (Flight of the Phoenix)
U.S.A. 2004

Opening 7 Jul 2005

Directed by: John Moore
Writing credits: Lukas Heller, Scott Frank
Principal actors: Dennis Quaid, Tyrese Gibson, Giovanni Ribisi, Miranda Otto

Remake: Again?! Let’s just say that maybe a third time around will be its charm. In the meantime, in spite of the corny script and the obvious flat plot, it’s straightforward and predictable. A good family film! Together, a family can joke about the lines, comment on the “obvious” special effects, discuss the film’s theme and question, “what if?”, "…what would you do?”, in such a situation. This food for thought and conversation makes a story believable.

Flight of the Phoenix is a remake by director John Moore of a Robert Aldrich adventure film (Flight of the Phoenix) from 1965. Pilot Frank Towns (Dennis Quaid) and co-pilot A.J. (Tyrese Gibson), have a mission to pick up a cargo load of passengers and heavy equipment in the middle of the Mongolian desert after a research company bails on a work project. On the return flight, the plane is hit by a horrific storm that causes its doom to the earthen sand. The plane was taken 300 miles off the original course with most of the passengers on board and still alive. The damage to the plane was extensive. Hmm! Now what? The crew makes an assessment of the damage and concludes that they have two choices: die in the desert sitting around or rebuild the plane in hopes to live to tell about it. As the story ‘painstakingly” unfolds, the audience is not caught up with the predictable ending but the intrigue of the “how” question: how are they going to rebuild a plane that will carry them to safety? Elliott (Giovanni Ribisi) announces to the group that he builds planes for a living and comes forward with the perfect plan. Fighting against the various elements of this crisis, teamwork develops to achieve the main goal: survival. (Karen Pecota)