Flightplan

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. (04/02/2013)

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. (04/09/2006)

A dark, suspenseful thriller, that is a strange combination of all possible movies with the theme “trouble on board a plane". I was surprised about what happened with the story in the end and was gobsmacked about what the screenwriters had managed to put together. And about the kidnapper. He was about as suspicious as another ten people on that plane. But I admit, I had my suspicions ;-) (06/06/2006)

This is a drama that is much stronger in its questioning when it provides no clues, let alone answers. When it stops asking, it quickly, very quickly, loses steam and the ending becomes painfully routine, riding on the most embarrassing clichés. The film starts at 4 stars, only to slip to one in the end. I'll give a final 2 stars for Jodie Foster's effort. Overall impression: 40%. That plane looked more like an ocean liner or a luxury hotel. Either way, its operator doesn't bear the burden of fuel payments. This is only possible in the aviation fleet of some oil-soaked Arab state... (04/11/2013)

*** 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. (10/11/2005)