Review of Con Air (1997) by Robert H — 24 Jan 2012

This is just one of those films that isn't great, but is extremely fun to watch due to it's exhilarating action scenes and it's quirky cast of characters. Simon West's direction is a bit rough, but so is the script, so they are a perfect match. The acting is pretty good for an action movie, especially John Malkovich as a deranged killer, who also happens to be very intelligent. Nicholas Cage's accent is a bit ridiculous, but so is some of the dialogue.

The film tells the story of Cameron Poe (Nicholas Cage), an Army man who accidentally kills a guy in brawl defending his wife. He is sent to prison, serves his sentence during the opening credits and intends to hitch a ride home on a prison air transport. Unfortunately, the prisoners have other plans. They take over the plane with ease. The prisoners include a rapist (Danny Trejo) and a seemingly normal serial killer (Steve Buscemi). US Marshal Vince Larkin (John Cusack) is on the case and he knows Poe is the one of the few good guys on the plane. Eventually, the plane lands at abandoned Lerner Airfield, where the convicts intend to refuel and head to some island probably. But, Cyrus Grissom (John Malkovich) intends to make off with a drug dealer in a small 2 person plane; the plan doesn't work. Thanks to a well timed note from Poe, the Marshals know where they are and here they engage in battle where some of the dumber criminals are killed off. The criminals manage to take off again with Poe on board; he was trying to save a female guard from the rapist, not to mention his friend with diabetes. The plane is damaged in an air battle with the Marshals and must land on the Las Vegas strip. There, Poe and Larkin engage in a final showdown with Grissom in an interesting chase scene.

Like I said before, this is nothing but an enjoyable piece of fluff, not to be taken too seriously. So, just sit back and enjoy.