Film Review: Final Approach (1991)

"Don't judge a book by its cover." This proverb has been a constant reminder for the author of this review, especially when comparing a movie's content to the information on its video cover. One of the most disappointing examples was Final Approach, a 1991 science fiction film directed by Eric Steven Stahl. According to the cover, this film was supposed to be an intense SF thriller and was touted as "one of the first films made with the use of digital technology." However, my skepticism grew knowing that digital technology was not unknown territory in 1991, and unfortunately, my doubts were confirmed when watching the film.

The plot follows USAF Colonel Jason Haley (played by James B. Sikking), a pilot who survived a plane crash during a top-secret spy mission. The crash had lasting effects on Haley's health, particularly his memory. Struggling to remember anything, Haley seeks help from Dr. Dio Gottlieb (played by Hector Elizondo), a psychiatrist assigned to lead therapy sessions. As time progresses, Haley begins to suspect that the therapy is a clever deception and that Dr. Gottlieb may be a foreign intelligence operative trying to extract valuable information about American spy planes.

The entire plot of Final Approach unfolds in a single room, making it more suitable for a stage play than a feature film. While some filmmakers can create compelling stories within such constraints, Eric Steven Stahl falls short in this regard. The film feels more like a 20-minute episode of The Twilight Zone, with flashback scenes and digital effects attempting to create a surreal atmosphere. Unfortunately, these elements only serve to highlight the film's low budget or the director's lack of skill with new technology. Despite solid performances from Sikking and Elizondo, Final Approach ultimately fails to deliver on its promising premise.

RATING: 2/10 (-)

(Note: The original text was posted in the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on September 30th, 2002)

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