Year: 1997
Rating: R
Rating: * * * Stars
Cast: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich
I have found one of cinema's all time guilty pleasures. I
almost chuckle in embarrassment when I tell people I dig this movie. If you
looked up the term "screw loose" in the dictionary, there would be an
image of its hyper kinetic poster front and center. This Dirty Dozen on steroids has got well known, respected actors
hamming it up to no end. Its also got snappy, thoughtful, and witty dialogue
which is something not normally found in a cheesy action flick. Finally, it has
Nicolas Cage, letting the world know that hey, I already won an Oscar for Leaving Las Vegas (1996) and I can do
whatever the heck I want.
Cage plays army ranger Cameron Poe, a soon to be father who
winds up in a federal prison over a bar fight. A drunk messes with his pregnant
wife and Poe, using excessive force, accidentally commits murder. He is
sentenced to eight years, gets out early for good behavior, and hitches a ride
home on a plane full of convicts. Most of them are being transferred and are in
the process of doing consecutive life sentences except for Poe. Once he gets
off the plane, he is a free man. However, something happens and there is a
hijacking by the criminal passengers on board, hence the title, Con Air.
The unique thing about this late 90's exercise in
ridiculousness is that despite its caffeinated, testosterone filled action
sequences, we find serious actors (John Cusack, John Malkovich, and Steve
Buscemi) striving hard to sell scenes that make you wanna take things
seriously. I gotta admit though, it can be hard to embrace what's on screen. A
lot of the material is less than plausible. I do however, applaud the effort.
Basically this is one of those movies where you can forgive its shortcomings
based on the likability of most of the characters. Let's face it, they may be nasty
criminals but come on, they're a hoot. For instance, let's examine John
Malkovich's character being a convicted murderer named "Cyrus the Virus."
He becomes the leader of the hijackers. He spouts lines like, "and if you
say a word about this over the radio, the next wings you'll see will belong to
the flies buzzing over your rotting corpse." Ah, you gotta love a criminal
mastermind who has multiple college doctorates and degrees. Then, you have Ving
Rhames as "Diamond Dog," a character who writes a book in prison that
may be made into a movie. Federal agent Larkin (Cusack) explains this and also
reminds the audience that Denzel Washington is in talks to star. Ah Huh.
With Con Air, you
have violent action scenes that have short set ups and even shorter payoffs.
This is inter played with biting, sarcastic humor. Cage, almost mumbling his
lines with a monumental five o'clock shadow, (I'm thinking he might have been
paid per line) exhibits a fearless devil may care attitude because hey, he just
wants to get home and embrace the daughter he has never seen before (I’m sure
after seeing this flick, you'll probably wanna run out and buy this guy some
razors stat).
To end this review, I have a feeling that you will be
entertained. Con Air's relentless
zing factor will put you through the ringer and slap a big fat smile across
your face. If you are looking for a ride this film is your ticket; not first
class, but coach and that will do because ultimately you still get to your
destination; uninhibited movie going bliss.
Written by Jesse Burleson
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