Rating: 
Summary: Tip: Avoid The Runway When A 747 Is Landing
Review: The effects of the job on air traffic controllers in New York is explored in this film, permeated with dark humor and cleverly presented by director Mike Newell. "Pushing Tin," starring John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton, takes a look at the close knit "family" of the men and women who "move blips around on a screen" and are responsible for the lives of more people in one day than a surgeon will be in an entire career. It's a maddening, high-tension profession that takes it's toll on those who would enter upon it's nerve shattering, demanding playing field; definitely not a job for the meek of heart or mind. Nick Falzone (Cusack) is one of the guys who can handle this adrenaline-laced life and still manage to keep it all together for his family: His wife, Connie (Cate Blanchett), and their two kids. But things begin to happen when a new man, Russell Bell (Thornton), arrives on the job; a cool, off-beat character from out west who brings along a reputation for moving planes quickly, and a much younger wife, Mary (Angelina Jolie). Soon Nick's competitive juices begin to flow, and the tension level in the control room goes up a notch. Cusack turns in a high-powered performance as Falzone, a character perfectly suited to his quick delivery and sense of timing; he's high-strung, but controlled, and Cusack very capably conveys the myriad emotional levels derived from a job with such incredible responsibilities. As one of the characters comments in response to a remark about the blips on their screens being like a big video game, "Yeah, but there's no restart button." What this job requires is an amazing amount of energy and a clarity of mind few mortals it would seem could maintain for any great length of time. One of the interesting asides of the film is watching the minor diversions used by the various individuals to keep their focus (Falzone sings to himself, others make wagers and exercise). It's a game of fast talk and quick wits, and Cusack's Falzone is a master at it. His counterpart is Russell, played with a subtle, low-keyed approach by Thornton, whose calm in the middle of the storm lends something of an air of mystery to the proceedings. He's enigmatic, wears an Indian feather at work, keeps his thoughts to himself and leaves little doubt that he marches to the beat of his own drummer. And Thornton makes it all click to perfection. Blanchett also turns in a noteworthy performance as Connie, a strong character who is the anchor in Nick's tumultuous life; and beautiful Jolie is also memorable as the more vulnerable and unpredictable Mary Bell. The strong supporting cast includes Jake Weber (Barry), Kurt Fuller (Ed), Vicki Lewis (Tina) and Matt Ross (Ron). Newell has crafted a highly entertaining, fast paced movie with snappy dialogue, a good story, and a cast that makes it all work. "Pushing Tin" is a funny, yet serious, look at relationships and a unique profession for which the phrase "burned out" must have been coined. And you'll never forget the hilarious scene that involves a man standing on the runway as a 747 lands; it's something you have to see for yourself, because words alone will not do it justice. Check this one out; it's a solid movie that will give you a whole new perspective on planes and those guys out in the towers moving them around. There's a lot of sky up there, but it can get real small very quickly.
Rating: 
Summary: As bad as Wing Commander?
Review: Please, whatever you do, do NOT buy this movie (unless of course you watched it on video and actually...*gasp*...liked it). Look, I don't mean to be rude or insensitive to anyone who liked this movie, but I HATED it. If you haven't seen this movie, and you are interested in watching it regardless of what I have to say about it, DON'T read the rest of this review.First of all, the movie was SLOOOOOOWWWWWWWW. Second, the "conflict" between the two main characters is one-sided. What I am trying to say is that Billy Bob Thorton's character acts like he really doesn't care that much about the affair John Cusack's character has with his wife. It isn't until the end of the movie that you hear Billy Bob's character tell Cusack that he "had to leave before I killed you" (or something very close to that). Apparently he's REALLY good at holding in his rage. Just call him an icicle ready to explode! Ugh. Basically, I felt like I wasted my time watching this movie. It is, ultimately, your choice.
Rating: 
Summary: Competition...
Review: John Cusack plays an air traffic controller named Nick "The Zone" Falzone, who is a bit stressed but has mostly a normal life. He's married to Connie (Cate Blanchett), has two kids; he's also pretty popular with everyone, especcially since he's doing everything "better" than the rest. Then Russell Bell (Billy Bob Thorton) comes into town. His zen/cowboy attitude and his coolness intimidates Nick. Russell is suddenly take his place. He's more popular, doing everything better. Yet he's so calm it's scary. He never over reacts, not ever really reacting at all, to ANYTHING. So when Nick sees Russell's young wife, Mary, (Angelina Jolie) who seems to be somewhat of a drunk, he offers to take her out to dinner. They go, and after about a bottle of wine, they are in bed together. But everything's fine. Mary wont tell Russell, Nick wont tell Connie. Then, Mary tells Russell. And Russell is totally calm about it. He tells Nick that "if you ever want to sleep at night, never marry a young, beautiful woman." Since he did, he assumes it's understandable. (Wow) Suddenly, Nick starts thinking of Connie. What if she and Russell are having an affair? They seem to get along well enough. And after Russell offers to teach Connie French, well that just makes Nick more suspicious. His suspicion leads Connie to be suspicious of him. And the truth comes out. Nick is now really stressed. His job is too much. Russell is too much. Connie leaving him is too much.... And, then things go on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Until the credits roll. This movie was actually quite good, whether or not I portray it as one. :o)
Rating: 
Summary: Quirky anti-action
Review: PUSHING TIN is the story of a jumpy Air Traffic Controller's (John Cusack) compulsion to compete with the new guy in town (Billy Bob Thornton), resulting in love affairs, catastrophes and near-catastrophes, as well as a series of very bizarre events. This movie had a very slow beginning, taking nearly 45 minutes to get into "the crisis" and resolving it in a meandering way. PUSHING TIN was based on a short story, and it shows. The person who adapted the screenplay loved the short story too much, and did a bad job of cutting away the fat. However, the things that are left in the movie make for a quirky slow-action, low-on-the-comedy movie. Good for Sundance Film festivals. Bad for short attention span. The impressive thing about this movie is the acting, notably Cate Blanchett as Cusack's wife, mastering a PERFECT American accent and passing superbly as a New Jersey housewife. Billy Bob Thornton didn't disappoint as the stoic rival, and Angelina Jolie gave a halting, tenuous performance, which is exactly what the movie called for. Cusack, as always, was Cusack. One begins to wonder if he's doomed to FOREVER be framed by an 80s music soundtrack. Overall, I didn't enjoy PUSHING TIN. But, if you're looking for a departure from Hollywood, let this Movie Traffic Controller direct you to your local video store for this quirky pseudo-comedy.
Rating: 
Summary: What a waste of a great cast
Review: John Cusack is the best air traffic controller at one of the world's busiest airports, but when small town sensation Billy Bob Thornton shows up and turns out to be an even greater virtuoso of the radar screen, Cusack tries to compete with him (not only at work, but for Thornton's wife) and ultimately has a breakdown. None of this is particularly funny, or dramatic, or interesting. The two leads are fine, considering the material, but Angelina Jolie is wasted, as are several other supporting cast members of note. The end product is uninspired.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but too long and not the "comedy" that's expected
Review: John Cusack, Billy Bob Thorton, and Angelina Jolie star in this dramedy about two traffic controllers who are having rivarly over who's better at traffic controlling, sex, etc. Starts of kind of slow, but onces Thorton enters the picture it starts to get interesting. Then somewhere in the middle it gets lost again and doesn't pull itself up till the end. It's an up and down movie which is why it only gets 2 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Pushing Tin was great!
Review: If you are looking for a different movie, with no violence and some good humor, then rent Pushing Tin. Pushing Tin is about an air traffic control who is going through a mid life crisis. This movie is really neat and different. And it focuses on something other then violence.
Rating:
Summary: John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton make it all better
Review: The plot is kind of ho-hum, but I'm glad to see Hollywood address the fact that one sexual indiscretion - adultery in this case - can cause a lot of damage and grief. The strong point of the movie is the humor. It is funny. Lots of good lines and lots of interesting scenes. I sat down and watched it because my daughter had brought it home from the video store and I thought "Ah, I'll give it 10 minutes." It drew me in quickly and held my rapt attention. It's a great movie to see. But I think a rental would suffice. As a prior reviewer said, I wouldn't buy this one. It's not a movie you'd watch over and over again. More of a "few days in the life of two controllers" than any deep moving plot. But it is a lot of laughs. BTW, I never knew you could do that thing they do with Jet wash. It does look a wee bit dangerous, though.
Rating:
Summary: Okay Movie
Review: Pushing Tin has it's moments but anyone who watches it has to wade through some rather dull scenes to get to them. It's wasn't written that well and the plot isn't all that great. Let's face it: air traffic controllers can only be so interesting and then what? That's where this movie fails; it doesn't make up for the fact that the plot is a dud. So why did I give it four stars? The acting; I'm just too big of a fan of Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton to give it any less. What an interesting match! That is where most of the movies good moments come from. John Cusack does do his best but he doesn't have much to work with and it shows. Only buy this movie if you're a die hard fan of one of the actors. If you're anything else, you'll probably end up disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Another Controller Comment
Review: I have been a Controller for nearly 15 years and I have never heard anyone squeeze such a large amount of information into one transmission (TRACON scenes) without a couple of "Say Agains" from the pilots. I found the Air Traffic Control scenarios very unrealistic, but the atmosphere in the IFR (radar) room was pretty much right on. For all of you who do not know, we do not have displays that even come close to resembling the ones in the movie. I think more character developement would have made this movie more enjoyable. I just could not connect with the controllers, even though I am one myself. Worth seeing, but do not buy. HS
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