Aircraft movies offer a unique brand of suspense that keeps audiences on edge. With the added danger of being trapped in the air, the stakes are high, whether dealing with venomous snakes or a premonition of a mid-flight explosion. Plane is no exception; it’s an adrenaline-fueled thriller that will have you gripping your armrests until the very end. As the tension rises, you’ll be holding your breath and unable to exhale until the characters are out of harm’s way. This film will leave you feeling exhilarated and grateful to be back on solid ground as you leave the theater.
Gerard Butler (Olympus Has Fallen) stars as Captain Brodie Torrance, a veteran pilot scheduled to fly a small group of passengers from Singapore to Tokyo on New Year’s Eve. Among the mixed batch of passengers is convicted murderer Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter; Luke Cage), who the FBI is transporting. While trying to navigate through a storm, the aircraft is struck by lightning, and the comms go down. Brodie is forced to land on a war-torn island. Upon landing, Brodie discovers that the real danger is yet to come as most of his passengers are taken hostage by ruthless rebels. In a desperate bid for survival, he turns to an unlikely ally, the convicted murderer Louis. Together, they must work to rescue the hostages.
French filmmaker Jean-François Richet (Assault on Precinct 13) is known for his raw and gritty filmmaking style and ability to bring complex characters to life on screen. Richet is celebrated for his expertise in seamlessly melding high-octane action with deep character development and his willingness to take on challenging subject matter. While Plane becomes somewhat cliche’ in certain moments, Richet’s craftsmanship is evident in the breadth of Butler’s character and other dramatic pauses filled with impactful moments from co-stars Yoson An (Mulan) and Daniella Pineda (Jurassic World: Dominion).
As I watched the film, one thing that truly stood out to me was the sense of shared story among the characters. Unlike many action movies where the main star shines while the rest of the cast feels like mere extras, this film had a clear balance of story between all its characters. Of course, Butler played the lead role, but there was also a clear depth and development for the rest of the cast. You don’t just root for Brodie but for co-pilot Dele (An) to make it back to his family and for the group of rescue mercenaries to survive. Before long, you find yourself fully immersed in the story, hoping and praying for everyone to be airlifted to safety.
Let me tell you, the fight scene between Brodie and one of the island’s locals was a real standout moment for me in this film. It was clear that although Brodie was a trained ex-RAF, he wasn’t some invincible superhero. The scene’s choreography perfectly reflected his abilities and limitations. There were moments when I found myself holding my breath, unsure if he would make it out of the fight in one piece. This sense of realism made me even more invested in the story and the characters’ journey. Butler’s performance was so raw and authentic that it felt like I was in the thick of it with him.
Plane delivers the intense, pulse-pounding action you crave in an action film. Butler, a seasoned pro in this genre, delivers a powerful performance and makes for a dynamic duo alongside Colter. This film is the epitome of simplicity and fun, without convoluted plot twists to detract from the nonstop action. Brodie is the quintessential hero, torn between his duty to protect his passengers and self-preservation so he can return to his daughter. At the same time, Louis, the criminal, grapples with his newfound sense of freedom, even as he’s hunted. Plane doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead rides the tried-and-true formula until the wheels fall off.
Plane is now playing in theaters.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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