Plane
Ten second review: an action film in January not tied to a series or an existing universe and it doesn’t suck? Plane is an antidote to the pained sincerity of awards season.
I often think about how films are scored. Do we rate based on whether it met our expectations? A film we were excited to see but was disappointing in reality will carry a sting and a surprise hit certainly carries extra weight. Do we grade on a pass/fail, like Rotten Tomatoes, and success is based on the percentage of passes? Do we score in comparison to other films? How could we? How do you compare Paddington 2 and Tenet, Paddington 2 and Jaws, or Paddington 2 and Elvis. Well actually that’s easy, Paddington 2 is superior to all of them on any metric.
I think the fairest metrics are your enjoyment in the moment and whether it meets its own intentions. Who is it for, what is it for and did it do it well?
Captain Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) is flying a commercial route back to Hawaii to ring in the new year back home with his daughter. When a storm sees him have to put the plane down on a remote island controlled by separatists, it will take a hero to make sure his passengers get back home safe.
As we wind our way through awards season, and all the faux sincerity and seriousness that comes with it, Plane feels almost refreshing. I am sure I have cited this before but Trevor Noah once made the point that some films are like vegetables; they’re probably really good for us, but that doesn’t always mean they are enjoyable to eat. Plane is fast food, and it isn’t pretending to be anything else.
The cast play their roles well, no one sticks out and there is very little over dramatising. This is a popcorn action film and everyone seems to be on board with that statement. This coupled with good pacing, decent action sequences and a serviceable script makes for a genuinely enjoyable watch.
It is a bit ridiculous, but it’s not pretending it’s not. It doesn’t say much about anything, and it’s not trying to. It isn’t going to win any awards, and I don’t think it expects to.
I will dock it points for a badly handled sentimental scene that didn’t quite work, but I think even its writers would understand that.
Not every film is Shawshank Redemption, or Paddington 2 for that matter, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed. If you want a popcorn action film to fill a freezing January evening, something that won’t challenge you or that you won’t be demanded an opinion on, Plane might actually be just what you’re looking for.
