L'approche finale

This is a virtually unknown gem of a movie - thought-provoking, challenging, amusing and beautiful - what more could you want. The only serious problem with it is the lack of a release on DVD where the excellent soundtrack could really be made to shine.

Definitely not for those who have to be hand-held through a plot - this is a film that rewards repeat viewings. It's rich script and subtle performances keep it fresh and give you a little extra to spot each time round.

Films don't get much better than this :)

If you're really desperate to watch a movie then "Final Approach" would have to be the one to go with. I watched this movie with some friends and I got more entertainment from watching their complaints of how disgustingly boring this movie was. The whole thing is a dream sequence, and the viewer has no idea what is going on at all. I didn't stick around for the end but my friends told me that they envied me because I had the sense to get out of the room so fast. A true waste of film, time and my Saturday night.

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.

My review was written in May 1991 after a Cannes Film Festival Market screening.

"Final Approach" is a gimmicky, tedious sci-fi film, notable only for its pioneering use of digital sound recording and playback. Script's failure to involve the audience in its shaggy-dog story makrs pic a dubious theatrical prospect.

Debuting director Eric Steven Stahl (a graduate of tv commercials) emphasizes technology over content with disastrous results. The touted Cinema Digital Sound provides crisp dialog (not noticeably better sounding than previous six-track s tereo films) but is also used her for frequent noisy interruptions that recall the low-tech '70s Sensurround gimmick.

Annoying editing keeps interrupting the action with fleeting flashback shots that further distance the viewer.

While Stanley Kubrick's classic "2001: A Space Odyssey" is the obvious starting point for film's first-person aerial shots buzzing above pretty landscapes including Monument Valley, pic is eally in the vein of Douglas Trumbull's would-be sic-fi breakthrough pic "Brainstorm".

"Approach" unsuccessfully attempts to present a roller coaster ride from the brain of air force pilot James B. Sikking. It becomes gradually evident that he was working for general Kevin McCarthy on a top-secret project to plastic-coat conventional aircraft and make them equivalent to Stealth bombers in terms of avoiding detection.

Awkward structure give sfilm the feel of a two-character play, an amnesiac Sikking is stuck for the duration in a large, antiseptic office questioned by unctuous Hector Elizondo on his ownt to provide some comic releif, but Sikking is colorless throughout, making the necessary viewer identification with him and his Kafkaesque plight nearly impossible.

It turns out this exercise is just another "dying flash" riff on Robert Enrico's classic adaptation of Ambrose Bierce's "Incident at Owl Creek Bridte", stretching a man's final moments into feature length trivia.

Supporting cast is virtually dispensed with, as Sikking's lvoely wife Madolyn Smith gets just one meaningless scene and occasional flash ctuts to work with. Genre vet McCarthy pops up only to bark out orders as Sikking's flashback commander.

Tech credits are pro but inspiration is sorely lacking.

I loved this film picked it up not knowing what it was, and couldn't turn it off. If you enjoy character plays and films that think this would be your stop. I thought the interplay between two highly talented actors was impressive. This is more of a two man show at a theater than a film. I loved the minimalistic set and the entire feel set by the director. Kudos to the actors for taking part in a film that realistically never had a chance to be a "hit", but would stretch them as actors. Also, this film would make for a good discussion film for a group of friends. I have no idea how this film was greenlight given how Hollywood has been catering to people with a room temperature iq for long time now. Enjoy this rare nugget of quality film making and storytelling!