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Passenger 57 (1992)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 5/04, 7/18

Pass57
7/18: What should somebody do when an airplane has been hijacked?

Always bet on black. That's John Cutter's motto in Passenger 57 which is an all-thrill actioner, thanks to the high-octane performances by Wesley Snipes and Bruce Payne.

However, the ending is such a downer every time I see the film. It's like everybody just gave up, allowing Charles Rane to go out rather weakly. This explains why Passenger 57 is only eighty-four minutes long which is surprisingly short for an action-adventure flick.

During the final fight between John Cutter and Charles Rane, it's almost impossible to open the door due to cabin pressure. If it's, by some miracle, open, they will be quickly sucked out of the airplane 35,000 feet above sea level. At that height, it has to be around minus 65 degrees Fahrenheit and barely any oxygen to breathe.

For some weird reason, after giving a great villainous performance, Bruce Payne disappeared from cinema. I've never seen him in anything else. In regard to his character, why does the FBI transport a dangerous terrorist in a plane that's full of unsuspecting passengers? That's a job for the U.S. Marshals, and why a commerical airliner? Use the government's.

When Cutter was led down the stairs by Louisiana's finest in blue, he mysteriously had no handcuffs on before making his getaway. How is that possible? By the way, there are no counties in Louisiana; they're rather called "parishes." If an airfield is too small to accommodate a giant airplane, then acknowledge the fact by explaining why. There's no point in trying to overdramatize the event if nothing bad is going to happen.

All in all, if your suspension of disbelief can be triggered for a short time, Passenger 57 will prove to be an entertaining film with plenty of kick-ass action.