Con Air A Well Made Action Adventure With Solid Performances

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2009)

Con Air is a well made action adventure with solid performances by the cast including Nicolas Cage, John Cusuak, John Malcovich, Steve Buscemi, and Ving Rhames. Director Simon West does an admirable job of making Con Air giving audiences for the most part what they come to except from these type of movies. Nicolas Cage is excellent as Cameron Poe an ex-con and former ranger who finds himself trapped in a prisoner transport plane when the passengers seize control. John Cusuak is equally impressive as US Marshal Vince Larkin who joins Cameron in an attempt to stop the dangerous criminals who have taken over the plane. John Malcovich is great as the main villain Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom whose the leader of the criminals. Steve Buscemi is solid as Garlin Greene another psychopath who is brought into the plane in restraints when you first meet him before being set free. Ving Rhames is perfect for Nathan "Diamond Dog" Jones one of the dangerous criminals working with Grissom. The rest of the cast including Monica Potter, Dave Chappelle, MC Gainey, Danny Trejo, Mykelti Williamson, Rachel Ticotin, Nick Chinlund, and Colm Meaney are effective as the supporting characters in their limited screen time. The action/fight sequences, the chases, and explosions are well executed. Despite some flaws with the film juggling too many characters, development, and a rushed finale. Con Air is still an entertaining film with plenty of intense action, some suspense, thrills, and exceptional performances by the cast who make it worth the time to watch.