Director: David R. Ellis
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Nathan Phillips and Rachel Blanchard
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have achieved praise of Samuel L. Jackson. Ever since his rise to praise in the 1990’s, Jackson has become a beloved icon. Whether it is cruel gangsters, slave owners or political leaders, Jackson has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Jackson’s strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supportive roles which have limited screen-time. Even if he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Jackson has always left a strong impression. An actor with commitment to his craft, Jackson has become a beloved icon in modern-day entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, Jackson has made several movies that are worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Jackson and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Snakes on a Plane” is absolutely his most underrated work. Released in 2006, David R. Ellis’ movie offered a powerful portrait of dangerous airplanes. Packed with stunning production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s a spectacular airplane thriller. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Samuel L. Jackson, who plays an agent seeking to rescue planes facing destruction. Although “Snakes on a Plane” is a riveting airplane thriller, it isn’t a flawless movie. It builds an overdramatic conclusion without satisfying resolution. Nevertheless, it offers engaging entertainment that would satisfy fans of plane thrillers.
“Snakes on a Plane” tells a story of a plane that is attacked by snakes that cause pain. Samuel L. Jackson portrays Neville Flynn, a dedicated FBI agent with a strong devotion to his profession. Neville has always thrived at solving crimes causing tension. However, Neville’s life dramatically changes when he’s tasked with saving a doomed airplane that has snakes causing terror. Faced with pain of an airplane filled with snakes, Neville is given his most challenging mission that has high stakes. As all the odds soon become stacked against his favour, Neville wonders whether it’s possible for him to save a plane facing disaster.
David R. Ellis is fascinated with the stories of disaster. A fantastic filmmaker, Ellis has often made engaging films about disaster. His iconic film “Final Destination 2” offered an engaging portrait of hardships people in doomed airplanes go through. With “Snakes on a Plane”, however, Ellis directed his first airplane blockbuster. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture airplanes that face catastrophe but he succeeded immensely. Through spellbinding cinematography, Ellis captured a doomed airplane that endures catastrophe. Inspired with Jerry Zucker’s “Airplane!”, Ellis effectively uses handheld camerawork to capture a doomed airplane. For instance, handheld camera elevates the airplanes emergencies scene. During this unforgettable scene, Neville faces tensions when he discovers his airplane has become invaded by snakes. Using handheld camera, Ellis creates a portrait of airplanes which is compelling. Handheld camera is a complex technique to use in most movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” proved clearly, handheld camera elevates dinosaur movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through spellbinding visuals, Ellis captures tensions that airplanes invaded by snakes are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Snakes on a Plane” which deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best films ever made about airplanes. Inspired with Paul Greengrass’ “United 93”, Ellis deftly uses production of airplanes to capture disasters. Throughout the movie, the airplane is a crucial setting that captures snakes causing catastrophe. For instance, the airplane setting elevates the emergency scene. During this heartfelt scene, Neville faces tension when he finds out an emergency on an airplane. Moreover, the music score is dazzling. Trevor Rabin’s music contributes towards success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that airplanes bear. Using strong production, Ellis captures airplanes facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Snakes on a Plane” is a film about planes that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses monologues to capture tensions individuals on an airplane are facing. Inspired with Steven Spielberg’s “Catch me if You Can”, Ellis expertly uses dramatic monologues to capture tensions that are faced by airplane passengers that lack a plan. For instance, the monologues enhance the airplane attack scene. During this unforgettable scene, Neville delivers an emotional speech expressing his views on snakes on the airplane. Through captivating dramatic monologues, Ellis crafts a portrait of airplanes that audiences can easily relate to. Dramatic monologues are tricky to use in films. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” proved, monologues elevate classic crime movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using strong storytelling, Ellis captures an airplane that’s terrifying.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Samuel L. Jackson delivers one of his best performances as Neville. Jackson earned appreciation for playing gangsters in classic crime movies. With “Snakes on a Plane”, however, he took on his most comedic role. It isn’t easy to portray an FBI agent that’s tasked with saving an airplane that causes tragedy, but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past: intense, charismatic and funny in his most underrated role. With captivating expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief of an FBI agent seeking to prevent airplanes destructions. It’s an extraordinary performance from one of the finest actors in Hollywood today.
While the film is a showcase for Samuel L. Jackson, the supporting cast is excellent and worthy of appreciation. Nathan Phillips is fantastic, capturing tension faced by a passenger on an airplane which endures destruction. Rachel Blanchard is riveting, capturing the powerful personality of a woman seeking to save an airplane that’s doomed to face debacle. Lastly, Kenan Thompson deserves appreciation. As a cowardly plane passenger, he brings an air of fear to the movie.
Despite its extraordinary performances, however, “Snakes on a Plane” can’t quite capture airplanes which entertain. Ellis’ choice to end the film on a melodramatic note is bold but doesn’t succeed. It’s an overdramatic conclusion that lacks a truly satisfying resolution. Whereas this over the top ending enhanced Robert Schwentke’s “Flightplan”, it clashes with the realistic tone of this film. Therefore, “Snakes on a Plane” can’t quite capture airplanes with an ability to entertain.
Nevertheless, fans of Samuel L. Jackson would definitely enjoy “Snakes on a Plane” and so would movie-goers seeking tense entertainment. An awe inspiring airplane blockbuster, it honours an iconic actor.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a cult classic about snakes which attack a doomed airplane, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that has built a strong legacy by his abilities to portray strong characters in memorable movies which haven’t lost their abilities to entertain.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 