Comic booky pull-out-all-the-stops action/thriller with Nicolas Cage and John Cusack

Rating: 8/10 (10 September 2016)

Released in 1997 and directed by Simon West, "Con Air" is an action/thriller starring Nicolas Cage as Cameron Poe, a former US Ranger and newly paroled ex-con who finds himself trapped in a prisoner transport plane where the hardened cons seize control, led by the brilliantly insane Cyrus the Virus (John Malkovich). John Cusack and Colm Meaney co-star as the two conflicting officers in charge of resolving the situation. Some of the more notable cons are played by Ving Rhames, Danny Trejo and Steve Buscemi.
My title blurb says it all: "Con Air" is a no-holds-barred action/thriller with a clever sense of humor in the compelling spirit of 1996's "Broken Arrow," although I give "Con Air" the edge. Yes, the story's contrived and the movie's overall cartoony, but it's just so kinetic, amusing and well-executed you're inspired to go with it rather than go against it. In fact, you'll probably find yourself hilariously laughing at moments, particularly in the third act. On top of this, the movie shoots for a little depth with the well-done (and amusing) redemption of a certain con.
The weak point is the lack of a quality female role. Sure, there's the guard on the plane played by Rachel Ticotin, but her role is rather one-dimensional; however, I do appreciate a later scene with her and Poe. Monica Potter is on hand as Poe's wife, but her part is limited to standing around looking doe-eyed. Despite this cavil, "Con Air" delivers the goods for what it is; and spectacularly so.
The movie runs 115 minutes and was shot in Indiana, Utah, Nevada and California.
GRADE: A-