Ground Control

Yes, the liberties taken with how things work in the control tower were plain outta sight. One reviewer referred to "control centers", but I've never seen one. I have been in airport control towers, though, but only because I was invited, and while there may be some tense moments, nobody lets on while they are working the planes. When you're up there, it can be hard enough to understand what's being said without hearing stress.And the guy in the Cessna didn't know what a transponder is? Uh, no - he did not get his license from the FAA or any other accredited entity in some other country. Yeesh.But, all things considered, I did enjoy myself and if you just want to have a fun time, go ahead and watch it. Just keep in mind that it's about as far from real as you can get. Oh, and if you have ever seen "Airplane", watch the hair on the newbie controller as the plot moves along.SPOILER ALERTMy jaw only dropped a millimetre or so watching the shenanigans going in that tower until we got to the part where the pilot in the troubled airplane apparently was unaware that he could control the direction of the plane with thrust to the right engines and then the left. Really. And no one in the tower was aware either. Sigh.I was taught to fly straight, without a stick, rudders only, and to change direction in a twin using alternate engine power. It's kinda' like learning to fly 101. Granted, the pilot did need instructions from the tower to maintain the right headings, but then he spots the blazing lights of the runway and is off to the left of center. Sorry, if you're an airline pilot, you have more tricks up your sleeve than McGyver.

There are many unsung heroes today. And even fewer movies that can show why they are heroes. These heroes don't have super powers or fancy costumes but what they do have is the ability to think on their feet, keep a cool head, and never forget that it people real living breathing people that depend on their skills and decisions. Ground Control speaks to the underpaid overworked traffic controller.The movie has all the tension of a tied World Series Game at the bottom of the ninth. Each pitch takes sooo long but you dare not blink. Each crack of the bat throws your heart into a stand still until it's caught or flies over the wall.Unlike many films today, the characters are well developed, their dilemma is understood and you the viewer are part of the crew. This movie was produced with minimal special effects or props, just a really good story

I'm a controller. I went into this movie knowing that it was so incorrect in so many ways. And that's exactly what I found. This is nothing like real life. Even in the 90s. But since I knew it was going to make so many mistakes about ATC, it was actually enjoyable. I liked the plot and actors and it kept my interest. Just know that none of this would happen in real life and the skies are WAY safer than this makes it seem.

My brother accidentally rented this movie on my account because he was visiting and used my computer. I guess that serves me right for not logging out of Amazon. Although, in my defense, I didn't know Amazon was worse than Facebook when it came to keeping you logged in. Anyway, he threw $5 in my bathroom before leaving which was cool of him because it shows he genuinely felt bad for using my account. I think I accidentally lost the $5 though. No idea how, it's not that long of a walk from my bathroom to my bedroom but I can't find it anymore. Maybe someone else picked it up from my bathroom (because I really don't remember grabbing it) or maybe I already spent it on some useless thing that had no obvious impact on my life but cost me $5. Who knows. All I know is that this movie is on my credit card statement, I can't find $5, and Amazon keeps emailing me to rate this movie.

Omg. Who was the technical director? I'm all about suspension of disbelief, but total reality? Every single scene was a complete study in b to the s. There is no way an air traffic controller would leave for years and then just drop in and start controlling air traffic. They work in centers, not airports. There are dozens and dozens controlling much smaller pieces of sky. And what about this part where he's having flashbacks? He would be removed immediately. Broken air traffic control equipment that shuts itself off and then comes back after minutes? This would be front-page news for days. Air Traffic Control leadership is not pressured into accepting more work. Can you imagine what this would be like if it made the front page of the paper? As a backup, when the air traffic control centers lose control of their airspace, aircraft are instructed to land at the nearest airport. They would switch to airport local frequencies and get clearance from approach control and air traffic control Towers. People are not left stranded in the air because they can't communicate with an air traffic control center. Planes don't fall out of the sky because they can't talk to air traffic control. Pilots are trained to land on runways, Fields, roadways, interstates. The biggest technical error is anyone with mental problems of any kind would never be allowed anywhere near an air traffic control center. Let alone one with the door wide open no security at all or air traffic controllers are constantly running out to gather their wits. This is a bad episode of 24 with no script. This must have been During the period where Kiefer Sutherland was drinking too much. He didn't understand the low production value and terrible script.

This was an exciting movie. You learn to understand what air traffic controllers went through, in those days. I remember it was the job that had the most heart attacks.The acting was wonderful. Very believable. Not only do you have to worry, if the plane is in good shape, and the pilots aren't sociopaths, who may kill everyone ,or they are drunk, you have to worry about the electricity in the tower and if they have the right equipment, storms, narcissist controllers, or guys who may lose it,one day, because of all the pressure.

This movie is basically about Kiefer Sutherland being a capable character actor and turning in a solid performance as an ATCO in a typically late-90s made for TV movie.Look, for what it is, four stars is probably being overly generous, but in the airplane-movie genre this is a very solid and dependable movie that provides escapism and brain candy for 90 minutes. You do genuinely experience the intense normality that controllers go through on a shift-to-shift basis, as well as the innate competitiveness of people who have trained themselves to neuter their sensitivity to others and the 'souls' aboard the aircraft. You sense through Sutherland's body language that he is more aware of that than the others, despite the fact that his slick delivery is spot on and he is extremely percipient of the reality in his radar.The supporting cast feel a bit perfunctory at times, as this really is Sutherland's movie, but everyone plays their role pretty well. There has some plot leads that don't go anywhere, like the rivalry between Sutherland and Cruz getting swallowed up by the plot and the running time. It just seems to evaporate and there isn't even a reconciliation scene between the pair. Another plot lead that isn't exploited is the budding romance between Harris and Julie Albrecht.At the end of the film there's a strange encounter between Harris and the Captain of the flight he saved. The whole scene just feels clumsy, as does the lack of dialogue between Harris and Albrecht.The flight deck scenes were pretty good and conveyed some tension, as did Harris's rushing about the control tower and calling in the flight. As usual, there were a more than plentiful dose of cliches, but nothing too glaring to take too much away from a watchable TV movie.

I don't pretend to be a semipro film critic. Hopefully just a bit of advice...that's all.It's dated.It's low budget.It centres on one location only really...the control room of an airport.Yet in spite of this. This entertains from start to end.It's drama that shows how dificult a job the aircraft controller can have.It is not as good as pushing tin...not even close.But def worth a few quid if you're thinking of buying the dvd.I'd pay no more than £3.ish.

order arrived on time ,everything was ok

Made in the days when you could hear the dialogue over the music and when it wasn't necessary to use the f word in every sentence this DVD is worth £2 of anybody's money. A solid plot, well acted, satisfying conclusion. Yes, it's dated (2002) but it is better than much of the total garbage on TV these days

I bought this film as I think Kiefer is a great actor and after reading the reviews thought this must be worth watching. I must admit I found it rather boring and although there are some big names in it, I've seen much better films with Kiefer. I was rather pleased that it only cost me £2. I think if you are into planes and control rooms then this could be for you.