It might be straightforward to nitpick action-thriller Aircraft for its plot holes, old-school machismo and paint-roller-broad characterisation of Asian villains. But it surely’s additionally an adrenaline-pumping banger, skilfully executed by Jean-François Richet, the person behind equally entertaining French franchise Mesrine. And who doesn’t love gruff and restricted however one way or the other mesmeric Gerard Butler?
Right here he performs business pilot Brodie Torrance, a reputation evocative of each Muriel Spark and the San Fernando Valley. In a primary act full of aviation element, he nearly manages to land a storm-hit aircraft from Singapore on a distant island within the Philippines. With no electrical energy, telephone reception and little probability of rescue, he units out to seek out assist.
Weirdly, he takes with him escaped convict Gaspare (Mike Colter), not too long ago recaptured and being transported again to US custody. This seems to be an excellent name since Gaspare frolicked within the French Overseas Legion, his sharpshooting expertise coming in useful after they’re attacked by Filipino separatists. He’s additionally a convicted assassin — however no person’s good.
Varied subplots scattered all through broaden the canvas, recalling the multi-star ensembles of catastrophe films of outdated, similar to The Towering Inferno and Airport. Nevertheless, a few of these minor storylines are so vestigial they’re practically pointless, just like the cutaways to Brodie’s daughter (Heather Seiffert), who spends your entire movie trying nervous whereas sitting on a sofa in Hawaii. Extra is fabricated from the handful of passengers and crew members who survive the crash, particularly good-looking co-pilot Dele (Yoson An) and grounded cabin-crew chief Bonnie (Daniella Pineda). In the meantime in New York, disaster supervisor Scarsdale (Tony Goldwyn) chews out the fits who made penny-pinching choices that despatched the aircraft into the storm within the first place.
By the top, as storylines converge in a mighty river of noise, gunfire and slender escapes, all of it will get somewhat foolish, bringing to thoughts much less the climax of Airport than that of Airplane! Seems to be like Brodie picked the improper week to stop sniffing glue.
★★★☆☆
In UK cinemas from January 27 and US cinemas now