Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 01/13/2009 Run time: 124 minutes Rating: R
Blessed by a fantastic cast and slick direction by Mike Newell, Pushing Tin is one of those invigorating movies (like Wall Street or All the President's Men) that takes you behind the scenes of a dramatic profession--in this case, the high-stress world of air-traffic controllers--and throws in a source of conflict to ramp up the tension. For ace "tin-pusher" Nick Falzone (John Cusack), that conflict arrives in the form of Russell Bell (Billy Bob Thornton), an Irish/Choctaw half-breed whose Zen-like control of air traffic immediately puts Nick on the defensive. Add an incident of infidelity and Nick's subsequent self-loathing and guilt, and Pushing Tin turns into a macho pissing match, with Nick's and Russell's spouses (Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie, respectively) stuck in the middle.
At that point, this otherwise splendid comedy-drama turns almost fatally silly, and it hits additional turbulence by lapsing into a predictable series of pat resolutions. Fortunately, the jazzy cast avoids a nosedive into the tarmac, and if you recall Blanchett's Oscar-nominated performance in Elizabeth, you'll be amazed by her flawless transformation into a smart and sweetly devoted New Jersey housewife. Dialogue is a major asset here, and the script (by TV veterans Glen and Les Charles) gives Cusack & Co. plenty to chew on. That makes Pushing Tin a breezy good time, and its flaws are easily forgiven. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.0 / 5.0
John Cusack in another dimension of his craft:
I watch this movie years ago and John Cusack never disappoints his true fans. Grosse Point Blank with air traffic controllers on the edge of isanity. Billy Bob Thorton is the psycho challanging John to follow is dares!
losing interest quickly:
the first part of the movie was interesting but waiting for it to get to "uproariously contest of wit" as described on the DVD box quickly became tiresome. The plot was weak, the acting rather wooden. Even Jolie (fatuously) could not spark this one into a great movie. I wanted a pin to deflate those blubberly lips of hers. And the scene in the pilot's cabin? How ridiculous and fairy tale fantasy. I guess you have to love all the players in order to truly enjoy this one.
Good movie:
Worth watching. Pay attention and you can see Anjelina's lips grow. Can you believe John Voight is her Dad?
Great for people curious about Air Traffic Control:
Well cast (John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie.) A movie about a group of (New York / New Jersey area) Air Traffic Approach Controllers; The story development centers on their jobs and personal lives. Especially good for people interested/curious about Aviation / Air Traffic Control.
