'Snakes on a Plane': 2 Scoops

movie review

The plot centers around laidback surfer-dude Sean (Nathan Phillips), who witnesses the murder of a Los Angeles prosecutor in Hawaii by infamous crime boss. After saving Sean from hitmen at his home, FBI Agent Nelville Flynn (Jackson) convinces him to come out to Los Angeles and testify against Kim in court. The two of them, plus Flynn’s partner, commandeer the first-class section of a 747 on a red-eye flight headed for L.A. and, well, the rest is cinematic history.

The film takes a while to ramp up, and the exposition is rather heavy-handed as we meet the passengers who will share their reptile-infested journey. The plane is populated by a shallow mix of instantly recognizable types: the honeymooning couple, the two youngsters flying alone, the obsessive-compulsive rap star, the haughty princess and her accessory dog, the earthy young mother and her baby. Besides Jackson, the only other person to get any kind of characterization is flight attendant Claire (Julianna Margulies). Sam Jackson is his usual self, delivering soon-to-be classic one-liners in full badass mode.

As with The Lord of the Rings films, moviegoers must metally prepare themselves before seeing this film. Everyone knows that Hobbits don't exist and that there is no such place as Middle Earth, but that shouldn't stop anyone from getting caught up in the story and enjoying the film. That is also true for Snakes. Accept the film for what it is: a cult horror film that pokes fun at the genre and the human condition of fear. The sacrifices made after 9/11 (particularly the no steak knife rule) are also jested. There are a few jumpy moments, but overall you'll find yourself laughing more than being scared.

Julianna Marguiles and Sam Jackson deliver great performances. I also liked Kenan Thompson and Bobby Cannavale.