Similar to "National Treasure," "Sahara," which is based on a Clive Cussler novel of the same name, involves the search for a long-buried treasure closely linked to American history. McConaughey plays Dirk Pitt, a member of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, who, with the help of partner Al Giordino (Steve Zahn) and Dr. Eva Rojas (Penelope Cruz), races against time — and rival treasure hunters — to find the long-lost Confederate warship Texas, which is believed to hold the Confederacy's treasury.
Despite an impressive budget of $130 million, "Sahara" failed to become the blockbuster Paramount Pictures had hoped, earning only $119 million worldwide. The film also failed to impress critics; "Sahara" holds only a 38% favorable rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Those results, however, do not reflect the film's true quality. Certainly, "Sahara" has its issues. The script falters at times, and the plot occasionally gets a bit muddy. Compared to the early "Indiana Jones" films, which for many are the gold standard in the genre, the Matthew McConaughey-thrilled just can't compete. Yet when viewed on its own, without a comparison to the best of the best, "Sahara" ticks most of the boxes the genre promises. McConaughey and Cruz have an enjoyable on-screen chemistry, and Zahn perfectly fills the role of the weary side-kick.
The film was never intended to be an Oscar contender or to redefine the clue-and-conspiracy genre (though Paramount surely would have liked it to kick off a franchise). It does, however, serve as an enjoyable popcorn movie that allows its audience to take a 2-hour excursion into the genre, with some laughs and action along the way. In his review, critic Jeff Strickler perhaps best summed up the film, saying: "The main objective is to have fun, and in that regard, 'Sahara' accomplishes its mission handily."
