Movie review: Passengers (2008)

After a horrific plane crash grief counselor Claire begins working with the survivors only to find their accounting of the crash differs from one another, and from the airline's official version.

Anne Hathaway (Claire), Patrick Wilson (Eric), Andre Braugher (Perry), Dianne Wiest (Toni), David Morse (Arkin), William Davis (Jack), Ryan Robbins (Dean), Clea DuVall (Shannon), Don Thompson (Norman).

Passengers is a good film, but the story is hardly original. This version is pretty slow moving and focuses more on the love story aspect than it does the mystery or supernatural. Those who haven't seen this story before, in any number of variations, will enjoy more mystery than others and may not notice the love story focus.

The film moves slowly building the mystery nicely and it is close to the end before the theme becomes obvious. In the meantime there is some solid drama, a few laughs, some tender moments, and even a bit of action. There is also some confusion as Claire, a grief counselor or therapist, seems to have more issues than her patients several of whom seem more qualified to counsel others than she does!

Acting was solid with Hathaway doing fairly well in a somewhat confusing role. Wilson was enjoyable with nice delivery and what appeared to be good chemistry with Hathaway. Braugher, Wiest, and Morse all delivered nicely as usual. Robbins was a nice addition, as was DuVall who, along with the remainder of the cast, did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are simple and realistic. Plane crash scenes are nicely done with good impact and a fairly realistic feel. Action scenes were intense and fitting with well done CGI. Dialogue was enjoyable with decent depth. Sound and soundtrack were good.

Overall Passengers is a decent retelling of a familiar story. Those who enjoy mild drama with their mystery, or unusual love stories, should enjoy this one.

With some potentially disturbing scenes, mild foul language, brief nudity and sensuality, this should be fine for teens and older.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 2.2.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Thrillers, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural Thrillers, Psychological Thrillers

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel