Movies with Isaiah: 'Plane' is fast, chaotic and violent

Growing up during the '80s and '90s afforded me years of viewing some of the finest action-adventure films in cinema. Whether it was Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, etc., all of those stars had a profound impact in molding and shaping my formative childhood years.

I grew up on the foundation of straightforward, action-packed cinema filled with over-the-top scenarios, memorable, quippy one-liners, extensive fight sequences and greatly appreciating the paper-thin plot that didn't require any deep thinking into the philosophical realm - even going as far as to pretend with other childhood friends that we were recreating those scenes from films we grew up watching daily.

This past Sunday night, I watched "Plane" starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter. During the '90s, there were an assortment of cinematic outings released with simplistic titles such as "Speed," "Twister," "Volcano," and later into the 2000s, there were the "Taken" films. The plot of "Plane" is very simple and to the point. Capt. Brodie Torrance, portrayed by Butler, is given a task of transporting passengers to a specific destination. One such individual is a criminal that's being extradited for homicide. During their flight, the plane crash lands in Jolo, a remote island in the Philippines that's ruled by a brutal and vicious militia. It becomes increasingly apparent all on the plane are in danger of becoming casualties.

Torrance is forced to form an alliance with Louis Gaspare, portrayed by Colter, who is a criminal being extradited on murder charges, in order to escape the island and save the passengers who have been taken hostage. That is the plot. Very straight to the point, simple, formulaic and similar to the action adventure films of the '80s and '90s. That's about as detailed a storyline as you're going to receive. No need to expect powerful acting or emotionally charged dialogue. In essence, what you're walking into is a no-nonsense, frantic-paced story of brutality, excessive violence and insanity from beginning to end.

The film could have been released in the '90s as a summer blockbuster starring the likes of Schwarzenegger or Van Damme. Butler and Colter could be considered the ultimate throwbacks to the movie stars of that era. The premise of "Plane" is uniquely ridiculous and fun, so much so that if Schwarzenegger showed up carrying two assault rifles saying one of his memorable lines and assisting the main characters in rescuing hostages, I wouldn't have been the least bit surprised.

Butler and Colter aren't going to be recognized as the world's greatest actors with powerful range. What you see is what you get with them. Having said that, this review is not a negative one at all. Quite the opposite to be honest. I found "Plane" to be an extremely solid effort that was a lot of fun. Filled with brutal violence, it immediately grasps your attention by the jugular without showing signs of release. It's fast, chaotic, violent, bloody and brings forth carnage in a way that is impactful and unapologetic.

The only complaint that I have about the film is that it's a bit too short. Colter's character could've used more exposition into his background, and the main villains don't necessarily have a specific purpose other than to remind the audience that they're involved with shady guerilla tactics and rule with an iron fist of fear. Possibly removing them by having the hostages placed in different parts of the island would've made for a more intense and frightening experience. Other than those minor complaints, there isn't anything negative that I can specifically focus on with "Plane."

In the end, it transported me back to the childhood I lived with the explosive and exciting nature of watching the classic Schwarzenegger, Stallone and Van Damme films that paved the way for my love of cinema. I've always said from the beginning that without Schwarzenegger, I wouldn't have the appreciation and love for cinema that I do. He opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of what the film world offers with imaginative storytelling and pure escapism.

"Plane" is that traditional format of revitalizing the action genre without relying on the gimmick of shaking the cameras during fight sequences. It has old-school gun fights where the combat feels intense and realistic, characters living, breathing and sweating in the humid atmosphere of the Philippines. It's very grounded with its presentation without the need for fancy camera work.

Let me also qualify that the gritty and dirty cinematography of "Plane" has made me eager to see an adaptation of one of my favorite video games, "Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction." For anyone who is a video game fan, has children or is familiar with the game, I highly recommend comparing the visuals in order to understand my fascination.

"Plane," in the end, receives a solid 8/10 rating. I give it two thumbs up. It's entertaining, brutal, violent and fun. Not recommended for children given the excessive violence, profanity and heavy themes of terrorist organizations utilizing extreme measures in sending a message. Other than that, I highly recommend this feature. My next review is going to be the Christian-based film "Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist."

For similar films to "Plane," check out Butler's trilogy of "Olympus Has Fallen," "London Has Fallen," "Angel Has Fallen," Stallone's last two Rambo outings, Van Damme's "Universal Soldier" or Steven Segal's "Marked for Death."

Isaiah Ridley works at Beacon Cinemas in Sumter. To watch his movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.