Sahara (2005)

Written by Kamurai on July 25, 2020

Decent watch, might watch again, but can't recommend unless you're running out of things to watch or are an action archaeology fan.

This was a weird attempt created a 2005 version of Indiana Jones, or, since this is in Africa, Alex Quartermaine with Matthew McConaughey, of all people. I'm not aware of Matthew McConaughey or Steve Zahn being big action stars, but they surprisingly manage to handle their own, even if it isn't always believeable. Rainn Wilson and Penelope Cruz get in on the action as well....if that helps.

The premise is a little interesting: they're looking for a U.S. Confederate boat in Africa. Because it's not interesting enough on it's own, Penelope Cruz is a doctor trying to stop a plague coming from a war-torn country. It all feels a like ridiculously improbable things happening in a world that is far too realistic rather than a world created of fiction that houses an incredible story.

The movie is heavy with plot armor, despite any cleverness the characters have.

It's fine to watch, but there has to be something else that you can watch that is likely going to be better.