Action thrillers: films that stress and make you anxious with an explosive, climactic giant payoff at the end. Most of these types of movies typically feature amazing action sequences, good hand-to-hand combat, and unfortunately a really bad storyline. In Lionsgate’s Plane, this film pretty much follows the formula, with one exception- the story is not only bad, it's ridiculous. But sometimes, we enjoy ridiculous!

Plane centers on the character Brodie Torrance played by Gerard Butler. Torrance, is characterized as a rambunctious pilot that will do whatever it takes to protect his crew and passengers. The plot centers Torrance amongst a few "problems" that take place during one of his flights. The problems? One, it has to pass through a giant storm (how unoriginal), and problem number two - Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), an alleged murderer who just happens to be a passenger on the aircraft.

Torrance and his co-pilot Dele (Yoson An) have everything under control until the plane gets struck by lightning. And in true action-thriller drama, everything goes downhill. After an emergency landing, the crew and passengers end up stranded near the Philippines on Jolo Island. While Trailblazer (the company that owns the flight) is trying to locate them, the passengers, Dele, Bonnie (Daniella Pineda), and the rest of the crew are kidnapped by the Jolo’s now ruthless leader Datu Junmar (Evan Dale Taylor).

Torrance and Gaspare do everything they can to rescue them while David Scarsdale (Tony Goldwyn) and Hampton (Paul Ben-Victor) try to get them off of the island. Torrance just wants to save his passengers and get home to his daughter Daniela (Haleigh Hekking). Because there's always a reason to want to survive. There's a lot at stake - the terrorists don't just want money, they want blood as well! (shocking, right?)

Charles Cumming and J.P. Davis’s screenplay is a slow-burner that stays active once it gets going. Jean-Francois Richet brings his gritty directing style to Plane and makes it work. Brendan Galvin’s cinematography brings the grit to life and the sequence editing from David Rosenbloom works well in creating the momentum that leads to the movie's climax. The film is shot in a way that almost looks like it should've been released in 2005. It's nostalgic and that's why it works so well.

Plane suffers a bit from its actor's on-screen portrayals. Outside of Colter and Butler, it's very average. Pineda and An are good supporting cast members although they don't talk much. The remainder of the supporting cast are somewhat familiar faces who don't seem to fit in well to the script. But, they do what's necessary to make the film move, and for the most part, it works out. Out of all the bits and pieces that make for a ridiculous action-thriller that you can't help but to enjoy, the cast may be the weakest link of the film.

Overall, Plane is a fun ride. If you enjoy slow-building thrillers coupled with some ridiculous action scenes, then Plane is definitely for you.

Plane is now in theaters nationwide!

Rating - 6.5/10

in other words, wait to stream at home

You can follow Rascal F. Kennedy on social media at @rascalfkennedy1