Movies That Didn't Make it in Theaters but Should Do Better in Video

PUSHING TIN ****

starring John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie
This is a great movie about a man who is the best at what he does, one of a group of air traffic controllers who control the air space over the New York metropolitan area, and how he handles a sudden change of circumstance. John Cusack, my personal choice to play Bobby Darin if that project ever gets off the ground, plays Nick (Zone) Falzone, admired by his co-workers, loved by his wife (Cate Blanchett), and bored by how easy the job is. The tension of pushing tin, shop talk for the jumbo jets that appear as blinking moving lights on their screens at work, is vividly portrayed. The need to get planes in on schedule is weighed against safety considerations of planes flying too closely together. You'll never again approach New York from the air without thinking of the guys and gals on the ground who make split second decision to send planes left or right, or to slow down or speed up.

Into the scene comes Russell Bell (Billy Bob Thornton) in an understated performance. It reminded me of the time the Mets got Mike Piazza and everybody knew that two top catchers, Todd Hundley and Mikey couldn't play on the same team. Neither can Falzone and Bell. The fault is Falzone's because he can't handle the threat to his position. Bell is challenged by Falzone at a weekend barbecue to a free throw contest where Falzone has just put in 17 straight shots and has always been king and the confrontation begins a series of events leading to Falzone taking an interest in Bell's young wife played by the sizzling Angelina Jolie. Falzone's actions and Bell's reaction to it provide more unexpected pleasures in this original movie with traditional flourishes. Falzone personal and professional life take a drastic downturn. Did you ever think you could enjoy the old Captain and Tenille song "Muskrat Love"? Bell croons it in a very funny scene at Falzone's favorite Italian restaurant, another part of Falzone's world that Bell seems to be taking over. Is it intentional on Bell's part or is it Falzone's paranoia?

Kudos to Cate Blanchett's flawless Long Island accent. Absolutely perfect in manner also as The Wife, not condescending in the least as many actors are when they portray real people from the working class. These air traffic controlers are making six figures but some of them "barely made it out of high school" and it is rare to see movies that are about let alone capture this section of society. I'm reminded of Ben Affleck on a construction site scene in GOOD WILL HUNTING, his pinky extended as he drank from a beer can, not the ways most guys I knew hold a can of anything.

Why this movie didn't do well is a mystery. There are too many movies and too many blockbusters and not enough screens. Maybe this one didn't get the promotion or the screens. Perhaps the subject matter of mature adults didn't draw the younger crowd. I wanted to see it in the movies but it was gone before I had the chance.

If you rent it and don't enjoy it I will return your money, up to the first night of rental. I spent $2 at my local video store and it was worth it.

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