Decent Popcorn Flick

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2017)

Yet another polarizing movie from the year 2016, Passengers is neither as horrible as the critics say it is, nor as wonderful as Pratt/Lawrence fanboys/fangirls will go around telling their teenage friends.
The movie does have a lot of pros, actually. The visual effects and set design are both wonderful, particularly the spaceship's exterior, and a beautiful swimming pool featured in several scenes (made all the more beautiful with Jennifer Lawrence's presence). The acting is pretty good overall, however Lawrence can be as bland as she is hot at times. Pratt plays the same character he always does, the likable every-man, but I can't say I've tired of it yet. The end credits song, by Imagine Dragons, is reliably good, even if it's not their best by a long shot. Finally, I can't say I was ever bored by the film... irritated and disappointed, yes, but never bored.
The cons are more extensive than I wish they were. The movie borrows from so many other films, including Cast Away, Titanic, Gravity, and The Shining, just to name a few. And there are so many missed opportunities to make really great, original twists that are never utilized. There's also a certain actor that makes an appearance that doesn't really have much purpose... The second act drags a bit, and is less interesting than the other two acts, particularly the first one. Oh, and I can't forget to mention that Pratt makes a decision in the movie that will throw half of the film's viewers into a state of rebellion...
Overall, Passengers was a decent use of $6.00 and an afternoon with friends, but not one you need to rush out and see, particularly when compared with other space films of late, such as Rogue One and Star Trek: Beyond. However, fans of sci-fi, such as myself, will probably be moderately entertained for a couple hours.