Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer: John W. Richardson, Christopher Roach, Ryan Engle (Screenplay) John W. Richardson, Christopher Roach (Story)
Starring: Liam Neeson, Julianna Moore, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery, Nate Parker, Corey Stoll, Lupita Nyong’o, Omar Metwally
Plot: Bill Marks (Neeson) is a former cop who after dealing with his daughter’s death by drinking, is now an air marshal. While on a flight from London to New York, Mark gets a text telling him that unless 150 Million dollars is deposited to an off shore account within 20 minutes some will die. He tries to tell the other air marshal, Hammond but Hammond doesn’t believe him. Bill ends up going to extreme lengths to find the person responsible but the more he does the guiltier he looks.
Verdict: Intense Thriller
Story: With a thriller you need to be left guessing from start to finish and I literally don’t know how many times I changed my mind on who was involved. This is a huge plus for this film and having a ‘broken’ lead in Bill Marks works too. The tension growing through the film is also a big positive. Now the big negative the motive behind the action really disappoints and unlike anything we see before a hostage situation is usually very important to know the motive early and not having that works too, but after it finally gets revealed it is an anti-climax to a near perfect popcorn thriller. (8/10)
Actor Reviews
Liam Neeson: Bill Marks a former cop who has turned to the bottle because of the death of his young daughter, he does this job as a last resort for his skills. When he gets the message he starts to investigate, but comes off as the villain to the outside world when all he wants is the save everyone. Great performance grabbing the audience’s attention from start to finish. (9/10)
Julianne Moore: Jen a fellow passenger who befriends Bill, but not giving too much away about who she really is just poses more questions for Marks. Good supporting performance but nothing truly special next too Neeson powerhouse performance. (7/10)
Scoot McNairy: Tom another passenger on the plane that Bill turns to for explanations but like everyone else on the plane are they involved? Good supporting performance playing the maybe villain maybe innocent. (8/10)
Michelle Dockery: Nancy a trust air hostess that has known Marks for a few years, she tries to help but even she gets questioned by Marks. She didn’t look like she fitted in here. (5/10)
Director Review: Jaume Collet-Serra – Creates a real guess who done it game here that will keep you guessing from start to finish. (8/10)
Action: Most action is restricted as it is hard to have a real fight on a plane, but the small combat fights are good. (7/10)
Mystery: You will be trying to solve this just as much as Marks. (10/10)
Thriller: Keeps you guessing from start to finish. (9/10)
Settings: Perfect setting for the story that shows how being trapped heighten tense from everyone. (10/10)
Special Effects: Only has one use of effects and that looks good but the film doesn’t rely on the effects. (6/10)
Suggestion: I think this will surprise a few people out there, because the concept seems pretty simple and turns into a real thriller. (Watch)
Best Part: Neeson
Worst Part: Motive.
Action Scene Of The Film: Confrontation at the end.
Believability: Has elements of realism because the film focuses on the characters rather than the action and how each person would react to the situation. (4/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Could but doesn’t really need one.
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $198,727,550
Budget: $50 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
Tagline: The Hijacking Was Just the Beginning
Overall: Brilliant Easy to Watch Thriller
Rating