Flightplan (2005) - Jared's Critique

3 out of 5 stars

This is an excellent example of a movie that can both succeed and fall flat on its face in the same showing. I say that from the perspective of audience involvement. It is a typical, semi-predictable mild thriller that can take you on an intense ride, or bore you to pieces, all depending on how you approach it. I chose to be in the boat that took it more seriously than not. And I’m glad I did. When you are spending a couple hours (and occasionally a couple dollars) on a movie, I have found that becoming involved in it is the best way to go. In saying that I would suggest searching for what the film has to offer, or in other words, participating in it. That’s not to say that this film had a lot to offer thematically (which I don’t think it did), but it was created with the intent of giving the viewer an entertaining scare here and there.

I must say that I enjoyed the film overall. The ending was a huge letdown, but I guess that was the denouement that everything naturally led to. Such is Hollywood cinema. I observed that the lack of story depth was compensated for by the use of interesting visuals and sexy camera angles.

I have found that by participating more in the film, or giving the film more benefit of the doubt, the movie experience can be both enlightening and more entertaining. While this film doesn’t really have much in the way of enlightenment (for my part), it does offer a fun ride for escapism’s sake. So if you’re looking to question your philosophies and take a journey down the road of life, this movie isn’t the one for you. But if you want to have a fun kick-back evening where you can slyly slip your hand into her’s, this is the one you should pop into the DVD player.