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A practice in movie making that is too often discarded or even discouraged is the subversion of expectations. More often than not, some movies, particularly action films, have a set list of clichés and expectations depending on the story: the know-it-all jackass who causes more problems, the one "in charge" who won't bend the rules for the sake of circumstances, etc. These elements are too often expected in most action movies and can lead to a less-than-stellar experience because we've seen it all done before, better in some cases.
Today's subject, simply titled Plane, features most of the familiar beats found in movies of this caliber but succeeds in subverting just enough of your expectations to render a fresh and enjoyably entertaining romp. While I might have preferred a bit more texture in some areas, there is enough clever subversion of expectations to make this film worth seeing, but only partially worth the $20 rental price.
The story follows an airline pilot, Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler), who is piloting a New Year's Eve flight with fourteen passengers from Singapore. Before the Plane can take off, he is presented with a last-minute additional passenger, a recently arrested suspected murderer named Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter). Once in the air, they unsuccessfully fly over a massive thunderstorm, get struck by lightning, and are forced to make an emergency landing on a nearby Island. Little do they know that they happen to have landed on an Island populated by an army of separatists with a history of intimidation and kidnapping rackets. With the Plane's radio and transponder out of commission and wanting to ensure the safety of the surviving passengers, Torrance takes Gaspare with him to search for a nearby building that hopefully has a phone or radio. Can they call for help before the separatists find them, and can Gaspare be trusted despite his mysterious criminal history?
The film does a decent job of creating immediately relatable characters with tangible stakes and an even better job at enhancing their likability as the story progresses. The film also succeeds in utilizing the supporting characters. Each one has the right amount of screen time and uses it within the story just enough to avoid overstaying their welcome. Even further enhanced by everyone's excellent performances.
The action scenes are especially noteworthy. In an age of rapid-fire-editing and nausea-inducing shakey cam, Plane opts for a more coherent and stable style of executing the action. The first fight scene in the film is presented in a single take with a wide field of view, creating a stable sense of immersion and tension. Bonus points to the fight choreographers and stunt coordinators for their excellent work.
The MVP award goes straight to Mike Colter for his delightful performance and engaging screen presence. Even though the film never goes into his backstory, he does a fantastic job conveying a sense of nobility. While I preferred a bit more texture to his character in some backstory, there is enough here to render his character satisfactory.
Although my favorite supporting character has to be Scarsdale (Tony Goldwain), the one brilliant character in the situation room who recognizes and adequately responds to the unusual circumstances of the situation and isn't afraid to tell the corporate idiots in the room to shut up. He is my new favorite example of how to properly subvert expectations.
Despite not having as much texture to some of the supporting characters as I might have preferred, and maybe one or two questionable moments & special effects sequences (not to mention an overly generic title), Plane is a satisfying little adventure with enjoyable characters and enough action set pieces for a lazy afternoon. Although I recommend it, waiting for the rental price to drop slightly might be preferred. But if there's nothing else, Plane is a viable option.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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