Snakes On A Plane
Director: David R Ellis
Rated: M
Now screening


When a witness to a crime is asked to testify in court, he boards a plane with his FBI handler (Samuel L Jackson), heading to Los Angeles from his Hawaiian home. The crime boss has ordered execution by having his flight infested with the deadliest snakes on the planet. As the reptiles slither their way to their victims, it is left to the passengers to defeat the hissing creatures, whilst trying to land the plane safely.

This film became notorious due to the rabid internet fanbase it spawned, with the producers taking onboard the suggestions made. Re-shoots were done, and an ad campaign was devised by the net users themselves, resulting in a film that gives new meaning to the word 'interactive'. 'Snakes On A Plane' is pure B Grade schlock with elements that made previous B grade films so memorable. The heroes are easily identifiable, the CGI effects are slightly dodgy, and a title that is marketing heaven. All of these things help create a fun, zippy film that never takes itself seriously at all.

Samuel L Jackson is the main lead and seems to enjoy the hammy lines he musters. Fans of Jackson wouldn't be surprised by his appearance in this, as his long career has shown a tendency for quirky roles in very off kilter projects. His FBI agent encompasses all that has made Jackson such an appealing character, who isn't afraid to poke fun at people's perception of him. He takes the role seriously, but with the dangerous twinkle in his eye that shows he has his tongue firmly in his cheek. Nathan Phillips as the witness does well as Jackson's foil, finally showing true heroism and doing everything he can to survive the flight from hell. The rest of the cast seem to enjoy the rollicking ride faithfully showing the microcosm of personalities that can be found on any flight.

The snakes themselves are incredibly creepy, and anyone with a phobia for them should stay away, as the plane becomes filled with them. The CGI used to replicate them is quite well done, rendering them as mile high stalkers attacking their prey. Anyone questioning the logic of the screenplay would have a tough time filling the various plot holes. The film declares its campy intentions from the outset, with every scene framed as if reading a comic book.

The storyline delivers on its promise for kitschy fun, with some genuine character development in evidence. Having the audience see through the vision of the snakes themselves is a clever device and adds to the tension. The great one-liners and well balanced acting all create an entertaining movie that revels in the ridiculousness of its bizarre situation.

Patrick Moore