Con Air (1997)

A newly released ex-con and former US Ranger finds himself trapped in a prisoner transport plane when the passengers seize control.

Director:

Simon West

Writer:

Scott Rosenberg

Stars:

Colm Meaney, John Malkovich, John Cusack

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Colm Meaney	...	Duncan Malloy
Mykelti Williamson	...	Baby-O
Nick Chinlund	...	Billy Bedlam
John Malkovich	...	Cyrus 'The Virus' Grissom
Steve Buscemi	...	Garland 'The Marietta Mangler' Greene
Ving Rhames	...	Diamond Dog
Dave Chappelle	...	Pinball
Rachel Ticotin	...	Guard Sally Bishop
Danny Trejo	...	Johnny-23
M.C. Gainey	...	Swamp Thing
Steve Eastin	...	Guard Falzon
John Cusack	...	Vince Larkin
Renoly Santiago	...	Ramon 'Sally-Can't Dance' Martinez (as Renoly)
Monica Potter	...	Tricia Poe
Landry Allbright	...	Casey Poe

Storyline

Cameron Poe, who is a highly decorated United States Army Ranger came to his home of Alabama to his wife, Tricia. only to run into a few drunken regulars at where Tricia works. Cameron unknowingly kills one of the drunks and was sent to a federal penitentiary for involuntary manslaughter for seven years. Then, Cameron became eligible for parole and can now go home to his wife and daughter, Casey. Unfortunately, Cameron has to share a prison airplane with some of the most dangerous criminals in the country, who somehow took control of the plane and are now planning to escape the country with the plane. Cameron has to find a way to stop them while playing along. Meanwhile, United States Marshal Vincent Larkin is trying to help Cameron get free and stop the criminals including, Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom.

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Plot Keywords:

convict | prison | criminal | escape | army rangers | 

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Taglines:

Get Ready To Fly

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 June 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Air bagnards

Filming Locations:

USA

Box Office

Budget:

$75,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$24,131,738 (USA) (6 June 1997)

Gross:

$101,087,161 (USA) (3 October 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Kouf/Bigelow Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min 123 min (extended)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS (8 channels)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Jailbird airplane used during flight scenes in the film had a series of owners, both military and private. It was sold on December 2003 to All West Freight Inc. in Delta Junction, Alaska. On August 1, 2010, it crashed into Mount Healy within Denali National Park in Alaska killing all three fight crew.

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Goofs

Towards the very end of the movie, you see the stuffed bunny being washed down a gutter drain. Poe grabs it and you can see that it is wet, yet when he gives it to his daughter, it is dry.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Officer at Leaving Ceremony: Army Rangers have a proud history. Since the 1700s, Rangers have led the way in every major confrontation in which the United States has been involved. You men are a credit to that fine heritage, and I'm sorry to see you go. But you've served your country well, and you've displayed the ability to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete its mission, never leaving behind a fallen comrade no matter what the odds or the enemy. I thank you. America thanks you. And I wish you luck ...

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Crazy Credits

In Memory of PHIL SWARTZ

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Connections

Referenced in Joey: Joey and the Big Break: Part 1 (2005)

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Soundtracks

"How Do I Live"
Written by Diane Warren
Performed by Trisha Yearwood
Courtesy of MCA Nashville, a division of MCA Records, Inc.

User Reviews

Now that's what I'm talking about!

As much cliché there is on this typical action flick, this was a terrific and fun one to watch! Come on! I mean a 6.3?! People, this was a great movie that kept you on the edge of your seat with some of the greatest actors of our time: Nic Cage, John Malkovich, and John Cusack. The movie though went to Steve Buscemi! He is just becoming one of my favorite actors, but I'll explain later. Con Air is about these prisoners who have taken over an air plane meant to transfer some prisoners to other states and some are actually free. There is one person, Cameron Poe, who wants to stop this maniac, Cyrus 'The Virus' Grissom played by John M. from destroying these men's lives.

John Cusack plays Vince Larkin, a Marshall who believes that Poe is on his side and wants to get this plane down as safely as he can, he does a terrific job, even though his looks aren't what I would've pictured for the part. John M. did a great job on scarring the heck out of me and was a terrific psychotic villain and Nic is so great as an action hero while he "saves the *beep* day", he also has this southern accent that is kind of funny but charming. Now, onto Steve who plays Garland 'The Marietta Mangler' Greene, this incredibly intelligent but insane serial killer who gives you a Hannibal the Cannibal vibe. His dialog is incredible and grabs you "What if I told you insane was working fifty hours a week in some office for fifty years at the end of which they tell you to *beep* off; ending up in some retirement village hoping to die before suffering the indignity of trying to make it to the toilet on time? Wouldn't you consider that to be insane?" He's funny in a way that wasn't meant to be funny and he just steals the show. Especially how he was singing "He's got the whole world in his hands" at the end when the plane was going crazy. :D

These are remarkable actors, and yes, while the story is predictable and the stunts are over the top, nevertheless, I think anyone can enjoy this film an just have fun. It's a great action flick that deserves a look and a better rating! Come on, let go and have fun. Grab the popcorn, because you're going on a ride!

9/10