simonandkatie2001 I like to describe this movie as "clean". By that I mean two things.First is the scenery and cinematography. When you look at the scenery you know exactly what you're looking at because there is no attempt to contaminate it with special effects. Maybe there was just a tad of special effects; when the second small plane crashed on takeoff from Pago Pago. But that only took a few minutes of the movie.The second thing I mean by clean is the plot. It is straight forward, simple, and easy to follow. No fancy and complex intrigue to take away from the enjoyment. I believe another reviewer of this movie described it as easy to watch. That is so true.Other good aspects of this movie are sound, score, writing, editing, and production design. The plot (a commercial airliner, with no search and rescue equipment, trying to find a lost small plane, whose navigation instruments have gone kaput, in the vast expanse of the Pacific) is dramatic, exciting, and well-paced. The ending is a source of tremendous joy, especially when you remember that this is a true story.Finally, Robert Loggia gives a fine performance as the captain of the commercial airliner. Sometimes I felt I was right there in the cockpit with him and his first and second officers. And the people behind the camera also deserve high marks for their contributions to this very entertaining movie.

cherokee6 This is an annual tradition for our home.The first time I saw this film I was working toward my pilot's license so it was very timely. Scott Bakula is convincing as the struggling pilot. Robert Laggio has long been a favorite actor of mine. It is also not a quick fix type of story. Life is usually more complicated, as it depicts. You empathize with Jay and his wife and their struggles to keep their marriage going in the face of financial struggles as well as personal desires and needs. I love the message of the film, it has so many messages that apply to our lives. Such as not quitting, dealing with utter loneliness,the power of love and the strength of one individual who decides to stand with someone. The fact it is based on a true story makes it even better. Terrific film.

dmf1567 I have not seen this movie, but a co-worker of mine reminds me to look for it every Christmas season, all to no avail. My co-worker has absolutely raved about this movie, but it is never scheduled to show. Now, why can't one of the cable channels run these types of movies? They show some movies over and over again until you can't stand the sight of that particular movie any longer, and they forget about some of these heartfelt movies that are so good. Also, I looked on Amazon and the price they want for a copy of this movie is ridiculous, ranging from $44.00 to over a $100.00 for a VHS tape. I'm wondering why this movie is so expensive to buy, when I can buy other movies for $20.00.

LindaY My husband doesn't usually like the normal type of Christmas movie, but this is one film we watch every year. We are usually both sniffling by the end. Robert Loggia is simply great as Gordon, and Scott Bakula his usual likeable self. Also love the passengers on the plane, the mistletoe good luck charm, etc.BTW, the two guys grinning and celebrating up in the tower when Jay finally lands are the real Jay and Gordon!