When asked what my top 3 films were, Con Air was always present, usually ranking in number 2 behind Shawshank Redemption. When told recently by someone that the movie wasn’t good, I recoiled in horror, as in my view, it is a must-see. For those who do not know (and if you are in this category I strongly recommend watching it), the story follows a newly-released prisoner named Cameron Poe, (an ex-Ranger) who accidentally kills a man while defending his wife in a drunken brawl. On his way back to his family, he is traveling on a transport plane with several other convicts, which is subsequently taken over by the convicts who try to escape abroad, while Poe tries to prevent it while remaining un-noticed by the other convicts.
Nicholas Cage plays Poe, and delivers an outstanding performance as a honorable man just desperate to see his family, while John Cusack, Steve Buscemi and John Malkovich flourish in the supporting roles. Simon West (director) gets the best performances out of his actors as possible, and with a nominated soundtrack (How do I Live), which, while a slightly cheesy ending, still brings the movie to a satisfying close.
The movie itself is a bit of a cliché, and is indeed your typical action movie; however, with some good direction and superb performances it was able to become one of the elite, being fast-paced, action-packed and fun, that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. Even when watched a few times, it is still exhilarating and immersing. Of all the fine acting talent Steve Buscemi was a bit of a show-stealer, with his excellent portrayal of a sophisticated psychotic and his stylish quotes.
The movie was released in 1997, and so, was unlucky, in the sense that in the 1998 Oscars it had to compete with the beautifully made “As Good as it Getz” and the blockbuster “Titanic”. It had two nominations in the less important categories, and was not granted either one. Another year, Con Air would have been much more successful, but nonetheless, goes down as a must-see.
*****
