Review of Passenger 57 (1992) by Khris N — 04 Nov 2009

As Im reviewing this, I've gotten into a 90's action phase, reviewing all the classic action flicks back in the day.

Obviously these guys aren't Oscar winners, but these movies did set a standard of action for the decade, and some of the biggest action stars made their mark, and the stories were unique and the bad guys were the best ever on the screen.

One of the early classics is Passenger 57, which took plan hijacking and terrorism to a new level in the 90's, and made Wesley Snipes a household name and gave him a chance to display his impressive martial arts. Supported by Tom Sizemore, a young Liz Hurley and Bruce Payne as one of the best bad guys in the movies, Snipes goes up against a terrorist and master hijacker, who is also insane.

Of course, the story element isn't the best, but solid enough to include a background trauma for Snipe's character, he isn't an invulnerable hero, but a man dealing with a painful loss who just got back into the business, but he happens to be the best at what he does.

Though not much for background and production work, the music, done by one of my favorite musicians, Stanley Clarke, had a good dark beat and the intro roll was akin to a James Bond opening credits, without the naked women of course. XD But the Xray effect and synthesized score also set a new tone and sound for the 90's.

I love this movie because I think this is a great, basic action film, and mostly set the trend for others to come, as far as martial arts, gunfights and planes. Snipes is a good actor, no doubt about that, he played the part perfectly, mixing a brooding, hard edged character who can throw a razor one liner at the bad guys when needed, or preferably, a kick to the face.

Probably one of the best action movies around, which is unique in its own right.