by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
When do people turn to their faith the most? Life is full of challenging and scary experiences. Human beings find themselves in unexpected and sometimes seemingly impossible situations for which they must find great inspiration to overcome said situations. Many of these moments are life-threatening, or have the potential to shatter the life that they have. You can probably think of a few scenarios which would be those worst case scenarios for yourself. They can certainly be a combination of our worst fears, and put those we love at risk. In those moments, people turn to their divine entity for the strength to make it through.
What if you were on a small plane with your family, and the pilot dies leaving you to fly your family to safety? That is the true story that the new Amazon film, On a Wing and a Prayer, tackles. Dough White’s (Dennis Quaid) faith was already challenged by the loss of his brother, but this life-threatening ordeal is the journey that brings him back to God and his faith. For a film that is centered on faith, director Sean McNamara balances it well with the actual narrative and characters. So many contemporary faith-based films put little effort into making a film, and they just come off feeling like ads for Christianity. This one has a concrete narrative with thrills and structure, while also injecting faith-based themes. The product is quite inspiring.
Does McNamara maximize the unbelievable tale? This film is quite thrilling from start to finish. McNamara brings out the tension and suspense throughout each trial that is laid down. Many films like this feel overbearing with too many twists and turns, but the beats of On a Wing and a Prayer feel well paced and organically constructed. A false landing. A medical emergency. A storm. Each beat adds to the tension, and McNamara handles it well. There are some elements that don’t work as well (the special effects are iffy for a film with this budget), but overall, it is an exciting ride.
But is this exciting true story told well on screen? There are a surprising number of moving pieces. At the core, the White family is stuck on this plane. This is the emotional core and anchoring inspiration of the whole film. We get the crew in the control tower, and one member is kind of the lead in that aspect. Throw in a friend of said controller, and you have a decent number of perspectives. Not all of them feel so necessary, but it is fine. But there is one loose thread with a young girl keeping up with the situation, which feels needless and could have easily been cut altogether.
What is the real core of what makes this film work? Quaid. He is saddled with the role of Doug, and he brings his all. He is your regular southern man who has his family, his faith, and his grill. We see his vulnerability and his shaken faith due to losing his brother. Quaid channels this lost faith and fear throughout the ordeal. We see him question himself and doubt his abilities. Doug is an emotional live wire, and Quaid delivers something special.
Is On a Wing and a Prayer worth the stream? The film has its clichés, and familiar moments and beats. By the end, you will not be shocked by the outcome, but there are solid thrills and emotion along the way. Quaid comes to play, and helps to inspire the audience with his leading turn. This is not the most impressive film this year, but in the realm of faith-based films, it is a solid and effective standout.
Score: 6/10
On a Wing and a Prayer is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video
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