Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Airline action flick has violence, peril, language, racism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Passenger 57
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
PASSENGER 57 pits security expert John Cutter (Wesley Snipes) against a team of airplane hijackers led by psychotic terrorist Charles Rane (Bruce Payne).
Is It Any Good?
This 1992 movie cleared its star, Snipes, for takeoff as an action hero. Passenger 57 is a lean but smart popcorn flick that blends a dash of social commentary with its high-kicking, high-altitude set pieces. Snipes literally throws himself into his role as gruff security ace Cutter, who is never phased as the bodies pile up like unclaimed luggage. The cause of his concern is Payne's suave but deadly villain Rane, a British aristocrat turned career terrorist. Like many solid action movies, director Kevin Hooks never asks its audience to think too hard about the details, but provides enough pulpy exposition to set the tone for a good time as they strap in. It's to Snipes' credit that he's as adept at trading barbs with racist rural cops as he is aiming roundhouse kicks at the baddies' heads. Meanwhile Rane's assorted gang of good-for-nothings are responsible for enough double-crosses to confuse even the most skilled air traffic controller. Some of the story's neat resolutions and broad characterizations have aged better than others. However, with a running time of just 84 minutes, there's no turbulence here, only a smooth and pleasant flight of fancy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Passenger 57. Did you find it thrilling? Scary? Both? How did some of the film's humor diffuse some of the violence and tension? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Some of the characters displayed racist behavior. Why do you think the director -- who is an African-American man -- included this? What purpose did it serve?
Cutter showed courage, perseverance, and integrity? Why are these such important character strengths? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits in your own life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 6, 1992
- On DVD or streaming : January 1, 2008
- Cast : Wesley Snipes , Bruce Payne , Elizabeth Hurley , Tom Sizemore
- Director : Kevin Hooks
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : terrorist violence and language
- Last updated : May 17, 2024
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