CON AIR

Jesse's Rating: ★★★

Cole's Rating: ★★★

Director: Simon West

Year: 1997

Cast: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich

Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller

MPAA Rating: R

        I have found one of cinema's all time guilty pleasures. I almost chuckle in embarrassment when I tell people that I dig this movie. If you looked up the term "screw loose" in the dictionary, there would be an image of its hyperkinetic poster front and center. This Dirty Dozen on steroids has got well known and respected actors hamming it up to no end. It has 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: "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 future family man who winds up in a federal prison over a bar fight. A drunk messes with his pregnant wife, Poe then uses excessive force in defense, and accidentally kills him. 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. But not 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, 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 in it 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 horrible creatures, but come on, they're a hoot. For instance, let's examine John Malkovich's 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 supposed to star in the adaptation. Ah Huh.

        In Con Air, there are violent action scenes that have short set ups and even shorter payoffs. This is interplayed with biting, sarcastic humor. Cage, almost mumbling his lines with a monumental five o'clock shadow, (I'm thinking he got a million bucks per line) exhibits a fearless devil-may-care attitude because hey, he just wants to get home and embrace his daughter that 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. In essence, this film is your ticket. Just remember, this isn't quite a first class ticket. It's coach and that'll do because utimately you still get to your destination; uninhibited moviegoing bliss.

-Written by Jesse Burleson

Cole's Thoughts: Okay, here's the thing. I saw Con Air a very long time ago; and I'm having a hard time remembering it. What I can tell you is this: it's a good movie. Not a masterpiece or anything, though. I know that because I would've watched it again if it was. But I always enjoy a good prison flick. And Con Air certainly provides for a good movie-going experience. Oh yeah, look for the most potent scene in the movie in which Steve Buscemi sings to a little girl. Hard-hitting.