Opening 7 Sep 2006
Directed by:
David R. Ellis
Writing credits:
John Heffernan, Sebastian Gutierrez
Principal actors:
Samuel L. Jackson, Juliana Margulies, Nathan Phillips, Rachel Blanchard, Flex Alexander
Sean Jones (Nathan Phillips, Under the Radar) is enjoying the beautiful scenery in Hawaii when he stumbles across a crime scene for a murder committed by the notorious Asian crime lord Eddie Kim. His life suddenly takes a drastic turn as he finds himself being chased by contract killers and FBI agents. Agent Neville Flynn (Samuel Jackson, Good Fellas) takes it upon himself to get Sean safely to Los Angeles to testify and finally put Eddie Kim behind bars. However, being one step ahead, Kim manages to fill the airplane with a few hundred of the world’s most poisonous snakes to ensure the plane never makes it to its destination. Throughout the plot, snakes drop from every possible hiding place, aggressively killing the victims as they do so. If this film sounds cheesy, it’s because it is. Though Jackson manages to portray his character with grace and ease, sadly, it’s not enough to make this film a winner. Original in idea but terrible on screen, this movie can make even the strongest of stomachs turn as literally every part of the body is attacked. Though not entirely a surprise, there seems to be more blood and gore than snakes throughout the movie. Comedy is woven throughout the horror and though the effort is fantastic it just does not add enough to make this film well-rounded enough to be a fantastic theatre experience. Two questions ran through my mind while watching, “When is this finally going to end?” and “Where’s Steve Erwin and his snake stick when you need him?” Other reputable actors include Julianna Marguiles (ER-Emergency Room), Kenan Thompson (Fat Albert), and Elsa Pataky (The Art of Dying). Save your money, folks, this one is not worth the expense. (Kara Wahn)
