Snakes On A Plane Review

In the beginning, there was Snakes On a Plane. The movie to end all movies. I mean come on. What more do I need to say?

Snakes On a Plane tells the story of a guy, Sean Jones, who witnesses a murder by a big mob boss, Eddie Kim, and then needs to testify in L.A. Nelville Flynn, Samuel L. Jackson in other words, is escorting Sean. However, Kim has other ideas. These include putting snakes on a plane to kill Sean. And all hell ensues. From the pilots dying to the air conditioning needing turned back on, there are many crises. Not to mention snake bites. But you already knew that.

This movie is, in one word, entertainment. It's pure, escapist, entertainment. Jackson is absolutely perfect for his role. I actually wished he could've screamed and ranted a little more. And yes, he does say the ever-popular "motherfuckin' snakes on this motherfuckin' plane." Let's see, all of the other characters are typical disaster stereotypes, from the innocent kids to the arrogant rich girl to the heroic Chinese kickboxer (okay, that's stretching it). So yes, all of the characters are here. And Julianna Marguilies actually makes her way as one of the stars of the film. The acting? Well it's overdone, but it's tastefully overdone.

The directing? Okay. Nothing to talk about. It makes it work. The visual effects aren't great, but they don't have to be. The music is overly dramatic, and a little annoying at some times. But it's not that bad, and it's overdone on purpose. My favorite is the "snake vision." You can only imagine what I mean.

The one problem I had with the film was its over-the-top-ness. I wish the film had, overall, more self-awareness. I mean, you could tell they were trying to make it a campy B film. But, I still had the feeling sometimes that it was trying to be a good horror film. And, to be frank, it's not. But it's not meant to be. I just wish the movie knew that. It needed to be more aware of itself, of its B movie-ness.

But overall, it did enough for me. I was surprised a little, by how much I actually enjoyed it. It's just fun, and it STAYS fun. Believe it or not, it doesn't drag. I just know I went in thinking, "Okay, I know there are snakes on a motherfucking plane, but I really don't think I'll stay interested for a little under two hours." But I did. And I am happy for it. Obviously, it's not a "good" movie. But it works for what it's intended, and it works very well. It's almost a current classic. Tough scoring, but Samuel L. Jackson really pushed it over the top for me. I almost can't believe the score I am giving it, but I really think it deserves it. Well done, Snakes On a Plane, well done.

Next up, Cats on a Subaru...

4/5