Cinematical

Mmmm. Penelope Cruz and Steve Zahn minus Matthew McConaughey, plus Salma Hayak equals "Bandidas".
Seriously though, Dirk Pitt didn't make the transition to the big screen with "Raise the Titanic" way back in 1980, and director Jarry Jameson ran back to television from where he came. Did anyone really think Breck (son of former Disney chief) Eisner was the person who could launch a franchise?
And where did that list of commenters go, with the stars by our names? Worse still, my comments will no longer link to my blog - www.coffeecoffeeandmorecoffee.com

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I wonder if anyone would be arguing about "script approval" if this was a huge hit?

Seems to me if you have issues, bring them up early on DURING filming.

Dont cry now BABYS!!

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Valeri,

I am actually pretty sure Cussler did bring up concerns during production but was constantly lied to by the producers (as part of his law suit)

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It's a shame, because I think it's actually a pretty enjoyable flick. Then again, I've never read (or really wanted to read) any of Cussler's books.

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This is just a sad situation. Years ago I read the book & last year saw the movie and can say I honestly liked both. There are some elements from the book that might've enriched the film, like the Abe Lincoln subplot. Others I'm glad were rewritten, like the cannibalism and river chase.
The book just wasn't the end all be all. The film didn't suffer at all because it lacked the 'Dawn of the Dead' cannibalism, and I never understood or liked the fact that the Caliope was essentially a miniature battleship. Dirk, Al & Rudi were pretty trigger happy in the book -which came off as cheap & Rambo-esqe.
On the other hand, I got chills when I read the prolog involving Abraham Lincoln and the Texas at the close of the Civil War. These tie-ins to history have always been the draw to Mr. Cussler's books as far as I'm concerned. I wish it had been left in. I like the Kitty Mannock sequence that was filmed but edited out. It wasn't necessary I guess, but it would've kept some of the book's flavor and tied in/explained the windsurfing scene later in the film.
I guess I'm alone, but I like the cast of the film. I like the chemistry between all the characters. Matthew McConaughey was a very believable and likeable Dirk. I want to like Dirk & the movie lets me like him. In the books he's sometimes more of a dick than a Dirk. Steve Zahn was awesome as Al Giordino -he doesn't get enough credit for his role in this movie. He's a comedic talent and very convincing in the action role. Penelope Cruz. Enough said. Sure she's a hotty, Eva Rojas is supposed to be! She managed to convince me she was Eva & came across as nearly obsessed with finding the source of the outbreak. William H Macy was PERFECT as Sandecker. I SAID PERFECT. Rainn Wilson was brilliant as Rudi Gunn. I'd rather see Rudi shoot a truck with a flaregun than 2 fist M-16's and mow down unsuspecting gunboat crews. Rudi is just more fun and likeable the way he was rewritten & Mr. Wilson played him. He's the one who saves the world in this one -the unlikely hero. Glynn Turman may not be the red headed viking from the novel, but I liked Dr. Hopper in the movie as he played him. Lennie James and Lambert Wilson gave outstanding performances as the 'bad guys' Kazim & Massarde. Instead of cliche' villains they portrayed sophisticated and flawed men with money, power and ambition.
The movie was actually very good, possibly even great. I think Mr. Cussler hasn't done himself or his Dirk Pitt franchise any favors by subverting the film. When I was a younger man I had read several Pitt novels (Sahara, Med Caper, Night Probe & Raise the Titanic). The movie inspired me to purchase a couple I hadn't read (Valhalla Rising and Pacific Vortex). If I hadn't seen the movie I would not have purchased these 2 books. The movie drove my interest & rekindled my affection for the characters.
I only recently became aware of the controversy surrounding the film. I guess I'm shocked Mr. Cussler would oppose the film so vehemently with so much at stake. The franchise and movie deals would've secured his series a future it wouldn't have otherwise. I'm honestly not as interested in reading his books as I was -and I'm sure I'm not alone. It's very unlikely Dirk Pitt will ever make to the big screen again, and that's unfortunate and it's Mr. Cussler's fault as far as I'm concerned. Sahara had so much potential, and I think he was very lucky Mr. Anschutz and Mr. Eisner were so passionate about bringing it to life. My guess is they never dreamed working with Mr. Cussler would be so problematic. All you die-hard Cussler loyalists out there offended by my comments keep it to yourself, I'm not interested. If you boycotted the film you helped kill the franchise, and you're to blame too. Congratulations geniuses.
To end this on a positive note, great job to all involved in making the film. I wish things had turned out differently.

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I loved the movie. I had read some of his books, just recently came across them and really enjoy them. After seeing the movie I finally found the book and have been reading it. I agree, I wish they could have kept the Kitty sequence in, but the director does talk about that on the dvd and I can agree with his reasons. Frankly, I'm not as excited about the book, the movie streamlined the book and while it couldn't keep all the good stuff (let's face it, your talking a few hours of film compared to a fairly length book). I think it did a great job and wish there were more Dirk movies coming out.
Much like the last commentor, I too, just became aware of any controversy regarding this movie and hope it gets resolved quickly.
Thanks

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