Sahara (2005)

Sahara - Trailer

2.5  40 minute action sequences out of 5


This movie is a B- attempt at an Indiana Jones remake.  Matthew McConoughey is probably a great casting choice as Dr. Jones.  Penelope Cruz is a terrible choice as Dr. Jone's love interest, but isn't she a bad choice for....anything?, and Steve Zahn is a great choice for the ephemeral Dr. Jones sidekick.


 Here is a quick Q&A for the just some of the questions in life that you need to know:


Q: Can Matthew McConaughey convince an entire nomadic African Tribe to go to war for him when there is nothing in it for them?
A: Yes

Q: You have two superheroes.  One is really smart and is the love child of McGyver, Indiana Jones, and Jack Bauer, the other is the dumb stoner type and is the love child of James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jim Breuer.  One has to go after the girl, the other has to diffuse a bomb.  Which do you send where?
A: Smart one goes for the girl and dumb one goes for the bomb, obviously.

Q: Can two guys and a girl in a jeep with no weapons evade a chasing military helicopter in the middle of the desert?
A: If MM is their leader, yes.

Q: Can MM destroy that same helicopter while hiding in a 250 year old boat IN THE DESERT?
A: Yes

Q: Can MM single handedly fight off an entire nation's army while liberating another?
A: Yes and he can do it in one day.

Q: Can MM do all of the above while remaining chaotically in control, funny, and witty all at the same time?!?!?
A: Yes

Okay that's enough.   This movie was obviously deeply inspired by the Indiana Jone's series.  If you ask me, the director didn't necessarily fail, but didn't quite succeed either.  It was a bit gaudy at times like the original Indiana Jones, but just didn't have the same sexy factor....ehhhh.

Lastly, kudos should be given for the best helicopter explosion I have ever seen.  It's about 15 seconds of pure awesomeness.  You will watch it 4 or 5 times in a row.  I did.

Overall I'd recommend seeing this movie.  It's potentially worthy of a sequel if they get rid of Penelope and keep Steve Zahn.


-Gerard