Flightplan

This was handled poorly. It doesn't make sense as psychological-ghostly madness or as an action thriller. Perhaps the "more mystical" half is worth watching thanks to Jodie Foster, but during the big twist the screenwriter went crazy and, together with the story, the whole film goes to hell. The fact that Robert Schwentke at least manages to keep the directing slightly above average does not change anything. (2006-09-04)

*** Spoilers! *** Flightplan is most reminiscent of Ron Howard’s Ransom. However, whereas Ransom was built “only” on a powerful twist that divided the film into two halves that work separately and together, Flightplan wants to go further; the powerful twist isn’t enough and is instead intended to make a major point. But the film’s insensitive and confusing transition from the first, psychological level to the second, action-oriented level requires viewers to spend ten minutes finding their bearings in the plot, after which they are only served a portion of American heroism. Flightplan is a technically precise, atmospherically and psychologically well-made drama that turns into a feminine version of Air Force One. And that’s a shame. (2005-11-10)

Very weak. There are plot mistakes and blunders in the script, holes like in Swiss cheese, not to mention the second half of the film, which can be called one big cliché. The actors are unremarkable, and even Jodie Foster didn't convince me completely. The first half is still quite watchable. The realistic portrayal of airport operations and certain established rules in air travel is satisfying, and sometimes are highlighted in the foreground. But all attempts at a realistic thriller are undermined by the foolish script. Technically, the film is surprisingly mediocre. The interior of the airplane is beautifully arranged, but the outdoor shots are downright tragic. How could the airplane be black and without a single Airline logo? There are truly a lot of these shortcomings. The final explosion scene is technically botched, and you can feel the computer's involvement (and this is not the first time). This is definitely not for me. (2006-03-17)

I liked the first half of the movie a lot. Just the kind of psychological puzzle movies I like. But suddenly the villain is revealed to the viewer and a huge and stale bore begins. She tries, blah blah blah... he's hot on her heels... and she eventually escapes him. She's a hero. Except for the ridiculously flubbed ending, a nice show. (2011-04-23)

The ending didn't have to turn into all that "action" and the main villain could have forgiven himself a speech in which he tells how and why he set up everything, but it doesn't change the fact that Flightplan is a pleasantly watchable thriller (light) with a very good paranoid atmosphere and a quite original idea. I'm rounding up three and a half stars. (2013-02-04)