Pushing Tin (1999)

The amusing competiveness of two very different air traffic controllers (Billy Bob Thornton and John Cusack)

A rivalry develops between two air traffic controllers in New York City: Nick (John Cusack) is young, swaggering and high strung while Russell (Billy Bob Thornton) is seasoned, self-controlled and laidback.

“Pushing Tin” is a quirky drama with a healthy sense of humor and potent adult-oriented themes revolving around love, sex and loyalty. The high stress nature of the occupation is emphasized while amusing the viewer in an offbeat way and driving home some insights on the broken human condition and glorious potential.

A youthful Cate Blanchett plays Nick’s stay-at-home wife, Connie. She was 29 years-old during shooting. Meanwhile Angelina Jolie plays Russell’s much-younger wife, Mary, who has alcohol issues; she was 23 playing a 21 year-old. Whist Jolie is made out to be the ultra-beauty, and she is alluring, it’s Blanchett who steals the show on that front IMHO. Petite Vicki Lewis is also on hand as the lone female air traffic controller; she was 38 during filming.

The movie runs 2 hours, 4 minutes and was shot in the Toronto area, with some scenes in New Jersey/New York City, Minnesota and Victorville, California.

GRADE: A-/B+