“Sahara” struck just the right chord for Cussler material. I initially didn’t think Steve Zahn was well-cast as Al Giordino, until I saw him press-check that AK-47 in the oasis shootout. Peanut-head (McConaghey) was perfect. Fun movie.
Unfortunately, Cussler hated it, and killed any possibility of a franchise. Guy was too full of his own worth. You can’t play his books too seriously in movies, or you end up with the dreary “Raise the Titanic”.
Too bad that Cussler didn't like it, I'd not heard that. I knew that he had an enormous ego (what other writer writes himself into his books??) but I didn't know that he took his work that seriously. Figure that his books are the male equivalent of romance bodice-rippers.
Neat cars, though. And lots of shooting, explosions, and nekkid women slinking around. And, occasionally, a decent idea (I *liked* the concept of "Treasure"!) sneaks into the works. :-)