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Ground Control
1998 98 min United States of America PG-13 12+
★6.0
Action, Drama, Thriller
Director: Richard Howard
Trailers
Description
An air-traffic controller quits after a plane crash but, years later, goes to help an airport that is in the path of a terrible storm.
Budget:
$500,000
Starring
Kiefer Sutherland
Actor
Robert Sean Leonard
Actor
Bruce McGill
Actor
Key opinion
Ground Control is viewed as a grounded, realistic disaster film that successfully emphasizes professional tension and procedural stakes over standard Hollywood pyrotechnics. While some find the character dynamics and technical tension highly compelling, others consider the narrative formulaic, contributing to a polarized reception regarding its overall impact.
| Originality | The film succeeds in grounding the disaster genre in realistic, plausible technical challenges rather than relying on outlandish catastrophes. | |
| Acting | The performances from lead actors Kiefer Sutherland and Robert Sean Leonard provide a charismatic foundation for the professional rivalry and subsequent teamwork. | |
| Acting | Supporting characters are well-integrated, providing color and human warmth that deepen the realistic atmosphere of the air traffic control environment. | |
| Cinematography | The technical elements, including cinematography and music, harmonize effectively to create a cohesive and immersive experience. | |
| Pacing | Viewers are split on the film's execution; some praise the unrelenting tension and swift pacing, while others perceive the narrative as a predictable, middle-of-the-road effort. |