Amazing action flick

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2004)

This film goes beyond the usual boundaries of an action film. The ensemble cast is brilliant. Nicholas Cage and John Cusack play the ex army ranger turned paroled prisoner and FIB agent respectively who have to find a way of working together when psycho Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom takes over a plane of prisoners who are being transferred to a maximum security unit. Cyrus is played brilliantly by the menacing John Malkovich, and he makes the character appear truly evil, down to his cold eyes. This is the sort of role he excels at.
There is also an appearance by Steve Buscemi as the Marietta Mangler, a serial killer who first appears in the film strapped to a chair with a mask, a la Hannibal Lecter.
Nicholas Cage is also good as a very honourable guy who just wants to get home to his wife and child, but not at the expense of his fellow prisoners.
This film is worth watching many times - its entertaining, sometimes funny and altogether brilliant!