Flightplan

My girlfriend, Denise and I had the opportunity to see a sneak preview of "A History of Violence" with Viggo Mortenson, but when we got to the theatre the actual film was not delivered to the theatre on time, so obviously we could not see that movie. Since it was a long drive and we were set to see a movie on the big screen we saw "Flightplan" instead. The following is my review of the movie.

"Flightplan" starring Jodie Foster is not the most consequential movie you will ever see, however it is a good effective suspence/thriller. Basic plot outline: Jody Foster is flying backto New York from Berlin where she works as a propulsion engineer. They are flying on a brand new jumbo jet, similar to the new Airbus. Foster's character has knowledge of the design of the airplane because she helped design the engines on it, a fact which comes in handy later. While in flight she and her daughter fall asleep, when she wakes up her daughter is no where to be found, none of the crew or passangers can recall ever seeing her, and there is no record of her ever have been on the plane at all. Here is where the mystery and suspense begins.

The movie is driven by Foster's performance, she gives another fine performance, portraying the anger, confusion, sadness, and gritty determination of her character note perfect. Also giving fine performance is a very good actor who not a lot of people are familiar with by name at least, Peter Saarsgaard. He has had a nice string of solid performances in "Shattered Glass," "Garden State," "Kinsey," and now "Flightplan", and will be an actor to keep your eye on for a long time to come.

With different actors the movie could have fallen apart because the plot walks an extremely thin tight rope of beleivability. I don't want to go into to great of detail about the plot because there are a number of twists which catch you by suprise. The screenwriters have done a fine job of making it across the tight rope to the other side without falling , although a few times along the way they nearly fell, but always were able to catch themselves. However, miraculously, if you are able to suspend your disbelief just a bit they make it work. The plot contrivences are beleivable, because as you watch the movie you don't question that they could happen the way they do. However, they probably would not. There is a silly side-plot involving middle-eastern passangers who of course get accused of wrong doing which feels a bit forced, but that is a minor quible.

If you want a fun, exciting ride then Flightplan is the movie for you. However, you can expect minor turbulance along the way.

My rating:

3 stars out of 5

Note: I read in today's paper that flight attendants are furious about how their portrayed in the movie and are calling for a boycot. While I'll admit that they aren't portrayed in the most positive light, I have to say... lighten up! It's just a movie. How many times have cops, or politicians, and even teachers been portrayed poorly in the movies you don't hear anything about them calling for a boycot every time a movie comes along where they are made to look bad.