Soul Plane Review
by Patiche (larts AT juno DOT com)August 19th, 2007
Directed by: Jessy Terrero
Written by: Chuck Wilson, Bo Zenga
Produced by:Jessy Terrero
The cast: Snoop Doggy Dogg, Kevin Hart, Tom Arnold
Method Man, K.D. Aubert, Godrey, Mo'Nique, D.L. Hughley Theatrical Release: May 28, 2004
Running Time: 1 HR 30min
Genre: Comedy
Rated: R
Distributor: MGM/UA
"Soul Plane." is a comedy with an African American cast with the exception of noted comedy actor Tom Arnold, Missi Pyle, Ryan Pinkston, and Arielle Kebbel. After watching this movie I came to this conclusion... this is one Crazy movie. My guess is that it was intended to be an extremely wacky comedy by writers, Boo Zenga and Chuck Wilson "Soul Plane" (2004) is a comedy about a young black entrepreneur whose dog is killed in a freak plane accident. After a brief court battle, and successful lawsuit he wins $100.000.000 for the loss of his dog, as a result, he decides to start his own airline business. Things seemly kick off to a good start with his jumbo jet flight 069 NWA until he finds out that his pilot, Captain Mack is merely an excon (Snoop Dogg) with no aviation experience.
On flight 069 NWA there's so much to see on this African American jumbo jet that's out of the norm. First, the flight is encompassed with the airline antics of fun parties, food, and, drugs. The antics begin with the airline crew this hip-hop and enthusiastic body of crewmembers is all African Americans, and one Hispanic stewardess, along with a native African Pilot. The crew of airline stewardess begins with Gayman an over zealous homosexual, and three beautiful airline stewardess, that include a beautiful Hispanic women. These women are not your typical airline hostesses; the girls are guaranteed to make your flight a most sexy and exhilarating experience. They are sure to take you to your proper seating accommodations of First Class (Plush-something you've never seen on a regular plane, it's so extraordinarily beautiful-state of the arts-high tech). And Low class commonly known as coach. (Just the opposite overcrowding, poor technology and poor food service.
The appearances of Mo'Nique Imes Jackson (The Parkers) adds a boost of offensive, but fun humor to this movie. I actually laughed each time I saw her. In "Soul Plane" the racial epithets are pretty much what I expected to see in this movie based on the feedback I got from my friends who saw this movie. In "Soul Plane" The N word doesn't sound as derogatory but spreads itself with a touch of warmth, and humor. (I'm not justifying its use) I've always said "black people have a unique way in using the N word that no one else can." They've even changed the spelling of this demeaning idiom from nigg*r to NIG*A black people have also managed to change the N word into an idiom of kinship, unity, love, humor and warmth. Somehow the N word in black dialect doesn't have the same emotional effects of a demeaning, bigoted, and historically hateful manner. You'll notice when watching "Soul Plane" the phrase [My Ni*ga] simply means two black men/boys coming together as friends (unity). THAT'S NOT OFFENSIVE. (Again I'm not justifying the use of the N word).
However, I did find the over played antics of sex on board an African American run plane to a be bit much, and stereotypical and falls prey to the stereotypical myth that blacks are oversexed, a misguided conception and opinion of black sexuality formulated by white society. I also found the scene depicting an Arab passenger as dangerous and evoking needless fear in people to be stereotypical. It is perceived that this passenger has boarded the plane with a bomb in his suitcase. Mo Nique (Mo'Nique Imes Jackson) and Moni Love in their lead roles as security caution this passenger that he's on watch. The stereotype of the black stud and the large penis syndrome is also played out in "Soul Plane." In that scene the fiancée' and daughter of a white family are passengers and the future Mrs. stumble upon a pornography magazine which high lights a black man on the front cover with an overly long penis. She becomes sexually aroused, at the sight of the magazine and the African American male passengers aboard the plane. In another scene this famous porn star is onboard the plane and meets the daughter of this white family, and dad (Mr. Hunkee-Tom Arnold) becomes threatened.
Final Thoughts
"Soul Plane" is film of high level energy. It's a fun film with a pretty good Hip-hop sound track. The appearance of Mo'Nique, and Snoop Dogg adds a splendid boost of rich humor to the movie and their acting roles radiate a high levels of energy. After watching this movie I must be honest and conclude that I'm glad I didn't go to the movies to see "Soul Plane," it's not worth a box office ticket of $10.00. Tom Arnold, and Missi Pyle provides somewhat good acting roles, but they barley manage to pull through successfully in their lead roles as the future Mr. Hunkee and Mrs. Hunkee.
While "Soul Plane" is a movie intended for fun and comedy its sociological commentary and the humanity of the African American is culturally damaging. The negative and exaggerated depictions of African Americans manifested with many negative stereotypical images that's also directed at diverse ethnic groups in this motion picture is disgraceful. Two white producers, Bo Zenga, and Chuck Wilson wrote "Soul Plane" so this sort of demeaning written pathology by Zenga and Wilson isn't surprising. Mega Latino rap artist, Jessy Terrero directs "Soul Plane." In the words of mega African American movie writer, producer, and director Melvin Van Peebles, "Hollywood's actions when depicting negative stereotypical images of blacks on its big screen is called "SHAME."
If you have nothing to do on a boring Friday or Saturday night, you're on a date, and if you just want laughs. And if this sort of genre comedy is what you like than you will find "Soul Plane" to be very entertaining to say the least. Sitting through this 1:30 minute movie will be fun.
Reviewed by Lisa Smith
(c)2007
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
