Snakes on a Plane Review
by samseescinema (sammeriam AT comcast DOT net)August 19th, 2006
Snakes on a Plane
reviewed by Sam Osborn
rating: 2.5 out of 4
Director: David R. Ellis
Screenplay: John Heffernan, Sebastian Gutierrez
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Bobby Cannavale
MPAA Classification: R (sex, snake violence, gore, and language)
The strange little phenomenon of 2006 is finally here. Never has it mattered less whether or not critics approve of a movie. Despite early reports that the film was actually liked by test audiences, New Line Studios still made the decision not to allow pre-screenings for critics. Well, I for one was not to be deterred and lined up along with the group of fifteen-year old boys chanting "Snakes, Snakes, Snakes" for the midnight screening. Is it as good as we all hoped, or as terrible as we all hoped? For me there's only fun or not fun, and Snakes on a Plane unexpectedly falls somewhere in between.
It's a tough film to pull off. A certain tone must be struck, where silly, farcical camp must meet slithery fear and story. The film can't degenerate into pure parody since the snake and plane gimmick would grow old long before credits rolled. Snakes on a Plane has to scare us and at least draw us some of the way into its outrageous tale if it wants to satisfy its rabid audiences. There is, on the other hand, the element of Snakes on a Plane's default cult status. People are buying tickets to see what they believe to be a terrible flick. And there's an awkward moment as the film begins when the audience realizes that, to an extent, Snakes on a Plane wants to be taken seriously. But it's a situation where no matter how good the film actually is in a serious sense, audiences will still adore the hype and experience, and come back for second helpings.
This doesn't actually answer whether or not Snakes on a Plane is any fun, though. Well to answer the question, it is, but only kind of. Before it lifts off to cruising altitude, the film spins a yarn surrounding a notorious Los Angeles mobster tracking down a witness for the prosecution. Agent Neville Flynn (Samuel L. Jackson) is charged with the witness' protection and is trying to transfer him from Honolulu to L.A. without incident. We also get several well-spun sub-plots surrounding the other passengers aboard the infested flight. They play off the usual stereotypes, but do so with a fresh and easy humor that skims over the cliches like they're only the obligatory ingredients to a wonderful recipe. From there it's all hissing and snake-bites and the title kicks in as self-explanatory.
The comedy works fine, with Sam Jackson doing his badass thing and snakes lunging for genitalia, but it's the excitement that wanes with the running length. After you've seen one snake attack, you've pretty much seen them all. There are exceptions, like with the massive anaconda who devours a person whole, but otherwise the snake attacks quickly become nondescript. Director David R. Ellis keeps things varied, however, launching a sub-plot with the FBI rescue effort on land, following Special Agent Harris (Bobby Cannavale) as he tracks down the required anti-venoms, and little set-pieces like when Agent Flynn must find and flip the inevitable switch at the snakes' source.
And then there's the line. You know the line, we all do. The one about the mothereffing snakes on this mothereffing plane. That one. Well, it's there and as fine and dandy as we all expected it to be. There was a great whooping cheer as Jackson said it, loud enough to drown out his succeeding two lines. It's really a moment worth seeing the film for. But, on the whole, Jackson still doesn't exude badass to his greatest potential. In my humble but hugely partial opinion, Jackson is only a true badass under the tutelage of one Mr. Quentin Tarantino. Without him behind Jackson, there's a key element missing. That's not to say Jackson doesn't get his fair share of badass moments. My favorite is after the snake expert describes how pheromones act like a drug for the serpents. In response Jackson snorts in mock humor, "Great. Snakes on crack," and slams down the phone.
Despite my occasional foray with arrogant pomposity, in general I don't consider myself to be pretentious film writer. I recommended Final Destination 3, for goodness sake. So my negativity isn't borne out of film elitism or any such nonsense. Snakes on a Plane is a mildly exciting experience, one that is hugely affected by those around you. I wouldn't recommend seeing it alone on a lazy Tuesday morning when the theatre will be empty. Go see it opening weekend, with a sold-out theatre and a group of rowdy friends. It's a bizarre and unique movie-going experience, no matter how good Snakes on a Plane actually is.
-www.samseescinema.com
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