The movie's story centers around Kyle Pratt played by Jodie Foster, though how you would know her name since it's never spoken aloud is beyond me. In the early parts, the plot wisely focuses on setups for future payoffs... or red herrings. Kyle is a bit of an unreliable narrator within this story, which should keep even astute viewers engaged and guessing until it all comes together. I won't spoil the plot here as it ruins the whole point of the movie, but to keep a short summary, it's fairly tight for the most part and it's only major plot hole can be played out differently without mental gymnastics. The tense atmosphere itself sold me so much, I generally found myself too invested to nitpick anyway.
Acting is solid across the board. While I am not a Jodie Foster fan, I will acknowledge the skill she has in this role and how she clearly gives it her all. Once again, going too far into reviewing the characters defeats the reason to see the movie, but rest assured everyone puts in a good performance.
Pacing is excellent with all the setup and character development that's crammed in at just over ninety minutes. While it could be perceived as 'dragging' in the middle as it sometimes seems the protagonist isn't making progress, I wouldn't call any shot wasted film.
Camera work is worth noting here as it is tight and claustrophobic within the plane, but it's interesting how many far shots are pulled off in such a confined setting. I also like how the structural environment is used to transition scenes.
The music is very appropriate and minimal, though don't expect to be humming one of the tunes like you would the theme of "Back to the Future" either. The sounds design itself is very intense with its delivery, likely to make viewers jump out of their skin.
Rating the rewatch value of this film is a difficult task. After the initial watch, it is worth rewatching soon after to pick up all the missed clues that a viewer will now have context to. It is also a movie better watched with others than alone, even if one viewer has seen it already. That being said, it's not a movie I'd reach for with regularity.
The final synopsis to me is that Flightplan is a tense thriller worth at least one viewing for people who want a scare without a gore fest. It's pacing is perfect, the story is interesting, and the characters well developed. Dare I say, it may even be smart writing. I fully recommend this one, flaws notwithstanding.
Acting is solid across the board. While I am not a Jodie Foster fan, I will acknowledge the skill she has in this role and how she clearly gives it her all. Once again, going too far into reviewing the characters defeats the reason to see the movie, but rest assured everyone puts in a good performance.
Pacing is excellent with all the setup and character development that's crammed in at just over ninety minutes. While it could be perceived as 'dragging' in the middle as it sometimes seems the protagonist isn't making progress, I wouldn't call any shot wasted film.
Camera work is worth noting here as it is tight and claustrophobic within the plane, but it's interesting how many far shots are pulled off in such a confined setting. I also like how the structural environment is used to transition scenes.
The music is very appropriate and minimal, though don't expect to be humming one of the tunes like you would the theme of "Back to the Future" either. The sounds design itself is very intense with its delivery, likely to make viewers jump out of their skin.
Rating the rewatch value of this film is a difficult task. After the initial watch, it is worth rewatching soon after to pick up all the missed clues that a viewer will now have context to. It is also a movie better watched with others than alone, even if one viewer has seen it already. That being said, it's not a movie I'd reach for with regularity.
The final synopsis to me is that Flightplan is a tense thriller worth at least one viewing for people who want a scare without a gore fest. It's pacing is perfect, the story is interesting, and the characters well developed. Dare I say, it may even be smart writing. I fully recommend this one, flaws notwithstanding.