In praise of: Sahara

In the modern world, we, as consumers of media and entertainment are bombarded by a seemingly unending torrent of movies, television, radio, podcasts, books, and more. With this constant influx of entertainment vying for our attention, it is entirely possible that some sources go entirely unnoticed. So I have taken it upon myself to try to bring to light some of the lesser-known pieces which have entertained me, and leave it to your discretion to give them each a chance. I'm not saying that every choice I make is a great one, or will be a favorite, but perhaps it beats watching reality TV or restarting a series you've already completed. That being said, let's dive into the first entry: Sahara.

Sahara is an action/adventure movie starring Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, and Penelope Cruz.

You never realize how difficult it is to spell those names until you try.

Matthew is at his "McConaughey-ist" as he plays an ex-Navy salvage diver with a heart of gold and a rogue-ish disposition. As he heads the cast with his trademark charisma, the role of Dirk Pitt seems natural for him. His co-star, Steve Zahn, steals the show as Al Giordino, Dirk's friend from childhood. Penelope Cruz also co-stars as the smart and sassy Eva Rojas, a doctor working for the World Health Organization.

You can make the joke in your own heads.

There are also impressive supporting performances from William H. Macy, The Office's Rainn Wilson, and Lennie James, of The Walking Dead fame.

The first thing to know about this movie is that it is a fun action romp all the way, taking cues from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in regards of exotic setting, impressive action set pieces, and memorable characters. As a viewer, you feel the movie encouraging you to sit back and enjoy yourself with a story that's solid, but doesn't take itself too seriously. In fact, while there are a few solemn moments in the movie, you'll find that the tone is almost always an uplifting one, like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.

But not that similar

The story revolves around Dirk and his search for a Civil War ironclad battleship in Africa (remember how I said not to take it too seriously?) At the same time, Cruz's Eva Rojas' attempt to find the source of a sickness on the coast of Africa. Their paths converge as they enter Mali, and soon find that their goals are not so separate as one would believe.

Although it's not an easy journey.
The major selling point of this movie has to be the chemistry between Zahn and McConaughey. The viewer gets the impression of a lifetime of history and friendship between two guys who are highly trained, ex-Navy divers, who are also best friends. Their mutual understanding of each other and the history hinted at in the movie make them an entertaining pair.

You only make this face at a man when you know he loves you.

Sahara has its share of flaws: cookie-cutter characters and a simple plot are the biggest issues. The character of Eva Rojas isn't really a compelling one, and her relationship with the protagonist is obvious from the moment you look at the poster. The plot isn't Jason Bourne or Inception, and you'll never hear anyone saying that Sahara is one of the great American adventure classics. But the charm of a cast that genuinely seems to enjoy the film, coupled with snappy dialogue and a sense of history and care between all the characters allow this movie to shine among other treasure hunting B-movies. The rock-n-roll soundtrack doesn't hurt things either.

"Let's see Jason Bourne do this"

This movie does feature violence, and disturbing images induced by war and disease, so maybe don't watch it with kids the first time.

So that's my suggestion for the next time you're sitting on the couch, scrolling through your newsfeed, looking for a way to entertain yourself. I'll try to start making an "In praise of" each week, so let me know what you all think of this one.
Thanks.

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Groot
Shocked, attractive people
Wild-eyed Stevie
Plane-surfing