Passengers (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
Now, I know that the big mystery in 'Passengers' (directed by Rodrigo Garcia, Nine Lives) isn't the most original, but surely the poster for this film does not help matters. Moving on. After a horrifying plane crash, young grief therapist, Clair Summers (Anne Hathaway) is assigned by her mentor (Andre Braugher) to counsel the flight's 5 traumatized survivors. The only patient who's at all responsive to Claire is Eric (Patrick Wilson). But after they begin an unethical personal relationship together, the other patients start disappearing, and bizarre things start happening. What really occurred both during & after that plane crash? You know, Hathaway & Wilson are very nice here. But they barely elevate this movie past a general feeling of it being ... fine.
After first meeting Eric, Claire figures that his euphoric attitude towards the crash must mean that he's suppressing his true feelings. With time, they grow closer & closer. He seems to want more from the relationship than she does, as she tries desperately to keep this a business friendship. But attraction is attraction, and by midpoint of the movie, they've fallen for each other. All throughout the film, Claire suspects that members of the airline-in-question are targeting the 5 survivors to prevent fears about a mechanical failure from spreading. Men in suits keep popping up, following the survivors (including Clea DuVall) here & there.
Claire's mentor advises her not to investigate the crash; that she should stick to counseling. But she knows something is afoot, here. Strange people are popping up everywhere. Everyday oddities are occurring on a normal basis. Claire can't make sense of it all, but she feels that it's all tied to this mysterious plane crash. Everything culminates when an airline employee (the always capable David Morse) leaves Claire a suitcase with some critical information inside. Within moments, a "twist" is revealed. And the plot plays out as one would assume; including the requisite grab-your-handkerchief moments.
At its best, 'Passengers' keeps you guessing from reel #1. The 'twist' itself is not original. You can take a stab at what happens & you'll probably be right. You'll only appreciate some of the clues as you look back at them in retrospect (after you leave the theater). 'Passenger' also works because of Hathaway & Wilson. Not only do they have chemistry, but their performances are really able to override what is a fairly bland, conventional script. I appreciate the subtle nuances they lend.
However, 'Passengers' really is a fairly forgettable affair. Yes, there is a 'thriller' aspect to it. Yes, there are supernatural components. But it's mainly a low key romantic dramedy at heart ... you may not get (from it) what you expect going into it. Other annoyances include a weepy piano soundtrack & a soporific tone; there are some moments in the middle that could lull you to sleep. That said, you will probably not hate the movie when it's over. And you may even enjoy its sensitive portrait of emotional healing. But I would recommend it only as a rental. It's atmospheric, a bit haunting, but lacks a great narrative drive. And it certainly isn't the great conspiracy drama or 'thriller' that it's billed to be. It's a nice movie. Nothing more than that.
After first meeting Eric, Claire figures that his euphoric attitude towards the crash must mean that he's suppressing his true feelings. With time, they grow closer & closer. He seems to want more from the relationship than she does, as she tries desperately to keep this a business friendship. But attraction is attraction, and by midpoint of the movie, they've fallen for each other. All throughout the film, Claire suspects that members of the airline-in-question are targeting the 5 survivors to prevent fears about a mechanical failure from spreading. Men in suits keep popping up, following the survivors (including Clea DuVall) here & there.
Claire's mentor advises her not to investigate the crash; that she should stick to counseling. But she knows something is afoot, here. Strange people are popping up everywhere. Everyday oddities are occurring on a normal basis. Claire can't make sense of it all, but she feels that it's all tied to this mysterious plane crash. Everything culminates when an airline employee (the always capable David Morse) leaves Claire a suitcase with some critical information inside. Within moments, a "twist" is revealed. And the plot plays out as one would assume; including the requisite grab-your-handkerchief moments.
At its best, 'Passengers' keeps you guessing from reel #1. The 'twist' itself is not original. You can take a stab at what happens & you'll probably be right. You'll only appreciate some of the clues as you look back at them in retrospect (after you leave the theater). 'Passenger' also works because of Hathaway & Wilson. Not only do they have chemistry, but their performances are really able to override what is a fairly bland, conventional script. I appreciate the subtle nuances they lend.
However, 'Passengers' really is a fairly forgettable affair. Yes, there is a 'thriller' aspect to it. Yes, there are supernatural components. But it's mainly a low key romantic dramedy at heart ... you may not get (from it) what you expect going into it. Other annoyances include a weepy piano soundtrack & a soporific tone; there are some moments in the middle that could lull you to sleep. That said, you will probably not hate the movie when it's over. And you may even enjoy its sensitive portrait of emotional healing. But I would recommend it only as a rental. It's atmospheric, a bit haunting, but lacks a great narrative drive. And it certainly isn't the great conspiracy drama or 'thriller' that it's billed to be. It's a nice movie. Nothing more than that.