Plane (2023) Movie Review

Gerard Butler has asserted himself as one of the best action stars currently working today. His output over the past few years has been quite fantastic, with a string of hits both critically and commercially. These include: ‘The Banishing’, ‘Hunter Killer’, ‘Angel Has Fallen’, ‘Copshop’, ‘Greenland’, ‘Last Seen Alive’ and 2023’s ‘Plane’. You know exactly what you’re getting in terms of his films, and that’s not a bad thing. Outside of Gerard Butler, Keanu Reeves and Liam Neeson, we don’t have the string of action heroes we did in the 1980s and 1990s, so seeing Butler’s filmography continue to deliver a string of hits is comforting for audiences.

This month, audiences were treated with the release of ‘Plane’ on DVD and Blu-Ray. Plane follows pilot Brodie Torrance (played by Gerard Butler) as he is forced to land his commercial aircraft during a storm, in an active warzone. Torrance must put his faith in Louis Gaspare (played by Luke Cage actor Mike Colter), a passenger being transported by the FBI for murder, to ensure the safety of his passengers. The film's premise is one we have seen before, however not like this…

Plane is one of the better action films in Butler’s impressive action filmography (or as I call it action-ography). The film benefits greatly from director Jean-Francoise Richet’s stellar attention to detail and dedication to action! The film creates genuine tension from its do or die scenario. Butler’s ability to sell action through well-choreographed fight sequences and his ability to do his own stunts, really does sell the realism of the situation which makes for a nail-biting and enjoyable experience. Mike Colter is also really good here at selling the action, utilising the skills he picked up on Marvel’s Luke Cage. He does a great job of making you believe his physicality and also the risk and stakes of the situation. Ritchet uses his cast effectively in these scenarios, creating a memorable action flick.

As mentioned, Butler is a real strength of this film. His ability to deliver some fun action movie dialogue, whilst never giving up his character is admirable and alike action stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. There are genuine subtleties in his performances that distinguishes him from his other characters. It showcases his range as an actor whilst also making the audience believe in his abilities as the character he is portraying on screen. This is something that is very hard to do, if you have a look at Liam Neeson for instance as his characters in his various action output over the past 15 years, it can be hard to tell each film apart, mainly because of Neeson's performances. He’s great at playing that specific type of role, however, it does become difficult for the audience. I don’t have the same issue with Butler, as Butler is very different in each role.

The plot is something we have seen many times before, but again is elevated by the construction of the film. All the elements here are incredibly well-crafted and executed to the point where you sometimes forget you’re watching an action flick with a simple story, and rather see it as a compelling drama, with great characters that just so happens to have action in it. It's very well done!

Plane is a throwback to the action of the good old days. The film is elevated by Jean-Francoise Richet’s direction and the two lead performances from Gerard Butler and Mike Colter. This is a must watch for action fans. Be sure to secure your copy today on DVD and Blu-Ray, you want to miss it!

Buy Plane on DVD or Blu-ray here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here