by Heath Lynch, Contributing Writer
Do you ever look ahead on the release calendar to see new films, and then find one that instinctively makes you think, “Yeah, this is going to be hot garbage”? Let’s be honest; we’ve all done it. Usually one of two things happen: Either you ignore the film outright, or you go to see it out of morbid curiosity, expecting to have more fun laughing at the movie for how bad it is, rather than attempting to find some quality in it. This was my instinct regarding Plane. I was ready to ridicule it and laugh at it. I mean, it’s a January release. It’s a Gerard Butler movie. It’s titled, Plane… By all means, this movie should just be a disaster. A pure dumpster fire. Yet against all odds, dare I say it, Plane is a movie that somehow finds a way to deliver solid thrills, becoming way more entertaining than it has any right to be.
Plane.
Just had to say it again. You know, for good measure. Not for the memes, I swear.
This flick follows a commercial pilot, Captain Brodie Torrance (Butler), as he’s making a series of connecting flights across Asia and the Pacific in hopes of reuniting with his estranged daughter on New Years. Unfortunately, as he’s flying over the Philippines his plane is struck by lightning. Losing all power, he has to attempt a crash landing on a remote island. It’s up to Captain Brodie to lead his passengers and crew to safety.
To say this film has a simple premise is an understatement. Plane crashes. Crashes are bad. Try to survive the bad things. Easy peasy. What makes this film work is how incredibly self-aware it is, not the plot. This flick knows it’s ridiculous. It’s aware that you’re here for the absurdity of the situation, the action and gun play, and the tension and anxiety that comes from its thrills. On those accounts, this film succeeds, and since that’s the movie’s central aim, it’s hard not to call it a success overall. The odds of this plane being struck by lightning, and then still being able to accomplish all that it does throughout the film, are laughable. But screw it, I’m laughing and having fun. Watching bodies being blown back by a .50 caliber sniper rifle is disturbing. But the movie makes it so cartoonish in the context of the scene it’s in that it’s meant to pulls ooos and ahhs, as well as laughs, from the audience. So we’re still having fun. Watching this plane attempt an emergency landing, or even more extreme actions, will have you tensing up in your chair and clutching your armrest. Even when you know what’s coming, because you understand how scripts and movies work.
So when you have gripping action, and thrills that will keep white knuckles clenched, it’s clear that this film delivers where it matters. It’s fun. And isn’t that why we go to the movies, to have fun?
It’s easy to sometimes get lost in the fog of criticism. You look for insufficiencies, flaws, and gaps that you can hang your hat on so much that you sometimes forget to have fun. You have to remind yourself that not every movie sets out to be a life-changing epic, a poignant social message, or an emotional drama. Sometimes, you just need to relax and have a good time. This is one of those times.
Behind the surface level story, the movie attempts to throw in two subplots in a vain attempt to bring deeper themes into the film. The motivation of visiting the estranged daughter is brought up at several points throughout the film to try and draw emotion from the audience. It doesn’t work. If anything, it’s almost laughable to play somber music while showing this daughter crying right after cutting away from a gunfight. These scenes don’t vibe. But, sure, don’t let loved ones get away; we get it. There’s also another plot line about a convict with a heart of gold who was wrongly accused. Don’t judge a book by its cover, blah blah. I understand why Plane tries to weave in these stories. I’m sure some executive somewhere said you can’t just have a movie about a plane and a lot of firefights, but I would’ve preferred that, to get even more lost in the absurdity. Because every time this movie goes down a serious path, it struggles.
Beyond a couple ill-advised storylines, Plane also has a cinematography issue. Many of the scenes, particularly in the opening act where you’re getting the most investment into the movie, are incredibly dark. It’s very challenging to see what’s happening at times, and this can be distracting, particularly when your investment is at stake.
When looking beyond the shallow and underdeveloped plot, as well as the lighting issues, you still have to contend with the performances. Personally, they’re of a specific merit: take them, or leave them. There’s nothing worthwhile here that will dazzle you. Not in the slightest. At the same time, there’s nothing terribly offensive or egregious here either. Simply put, another way I could describe these performances is that, well… they exist. This could easily be a nuisance to many, and understandably so. If you cannot get invested in the performances, you’re not going to care about the characters, and then you’re certainly not going to care about the story. But this is where we go back to the story being intentionally simple so we can focus on the intense action and riveting thrills. An argument could even be made that the movie is better off for the generic performances so that you can revel in the fun. Almost like a ‘90s Seagal movie, or an ‘80s Van Damme flick.
On a serious note — If you don’t like planes, don’t watch this movie. Plane will exponentially amplify your aerophobia. The statistical odds of the things taking place in this movie are nuts. Of the tens of thousands of flights that happen every year, on average there’s only one plane per year that’s struck by lightning. Plus, modern planes are built with conducting paths to handle a lightning strike so that they don’t do any harm. The last plane to go down to a lightning bolt was back in 1963. So please know that you are going to be okay — planes truly are the safest way to travel. But this movie will make the hair on the back of your neck stand at attention, even if you enjoy flying. So you should avoid this like the plague if you hate flying.
This film is flawed. Absolutely. Undoubtedly. But luckily, the experience outweighs the flaws. If you’re looking for a ridiculous action romp, a plethora of thrills, and an overall silly yet fun, movie, then Plane is for you.
Score: 7/10
Plane is currently playing in theaters
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