The January release window is always a good dumping ground for studios to toss their post-awards fodder into without much rhyme or reason – no one bats an eye because no one ever thinks to expect more. But it’s also a space where the schlocky B-movie can thrive, with little competition and low expectations; it’s why M3gan found a pocket of success, and so too is the new Gerry B action-thriller Plane.
Any other month of the year and Plane would probably impress no one, but it’s a film that takes off thanks to the commitment of its leading man and a low bar in terms of cinematic standard. Butler, having now carved out his own solid little corner in the B-movie realm (Greenland, Den of Thieves), stars as pilot Brodie Torrance who is forced to team with convict Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter) to rescue the passengers of Trailblazer 119. They’ve crashed landed in the Philippines, you see, after their aircraft is brought down by a storm and a group of militia take the passengers hostage.
Plane feels like a cross between Con Air and Non-Stop – the same basic premise of the former with the seriousness of the latter. It’s at its best in its action sequences which are surprisingly tight and effectively helmed; Butler gives a committed turn that’s propelled by his on-screen charisma and veritable chemistry with co-star Colter and the narrative is at its most enjoyable when they’re working together. But it’s often a film at odds with itself, not sure whether it wants to play into the silliness of the material or take a matter-of-fact, po-faced approach to it all – some of the dialogue is overwrought and cringe-inducing, as Butler proclaims his Scottish-ness (“I want haggis, neeps, and tatties”) before his accent becomes progressively more American as the film goes on.
There’s still a lot of fun to be had with Plane. It’s not quite as great as Greenland but nowhere near the ruins of Gods of Egypt. For those going in expecting a solid Gerard Butler B-movie, it’s reliable fare with enjoyable set-pieces and fun performances. It’s the kind of film you can switch your brain off to and just sit back and enjoy, while offering a little more than some of the other movie releases this month. As far as 90s pastiche goes, Plane is a good old time at the pictures.
Plane lands in cinemas from January 27th.