Review of Passengers (2016) by Johnny T — 25 Feb 2017

It's a beautiful film to look at; but it doesn't quite make the heart soar. Pratt does a creditable job of playing distraught without seeming like a ninny, and Lawrence at least looks stylish, though she's not called upon to do much acting. You can almost hear her saying to herself, "I wonder what David O. Russell has planned for his next movie and can I pretty please have a role in it?". The film eventually runs out of rocket fuel, piling on the special effects but arriving at a disappointing conclusion. The screenplay from Jon Spaihts will leave you questioning the actions of both characters as the credits start to roll. The film does a good job of portraying a desperately lonely man's dilemma and the romance that follows. Although it suffers from the restriction of a tiny cast of characters, there is good romantic chemistry between Pratt and Lawrence. Pratt, Lawrence and the superficial aspects of the story, along with the gorgeous aesthetic, are compelling enough to make Passengers at the very least interesting, and not a waste of your time. More spectacular special effects might have helped, or at least something more creative than a spaceship that resembles a giant Christmas tree ornament shaped like a corkscrew. Perhaps as a well-written play for a cast of three, Passengers might have been first class. Instead, it's just another mediocre thrill ride.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).