It is hard
to explain what Soul Plane is really about or, more so, why I’m
half-heartedly recommending it. This is a crude and gross movie with a
lowbrow sense of humor and pretty poor acting. But it is also fun, loud,
interesting, and often ingenious. Whatever its shortcomings may be, the term
“pleasant diversion” could never be used too many times when describing
Soul Plane. It’s a phrase I often slap onto clichéd, but enjoyable
films, one that my readers are probably tired of. But to not use it as I
attempt to explain my views on this picture would be a crime. This flick is
just what the doctor ordered for late May, probably the final experience
worth partaking in before the flood of summer releases drenches multiplexes
across the country.
What is memorable in Soul Plane? Not much,
but this doesn’t detract from one’s ability to enjoy it as they watch. I
suppose the only reason to see it is to escape from everyday life and have a
genuinely entertaining time for a short, but sweet eighty-six minutes. The
concept of the movie is a basic retread of Airplane!, following its
predecessor’s general plotline, more or less. It is a rapper-updated version
with a take-no-prisoners style, which will serve as a love-it-or-hate-it
situation for most people. (That statement might sound ironic, because my
opinion falls in between the two). Kevin Hart plays Nashawn, who hops on a
plane one day, later crossing paths with a bit of turbulence. In such a
weather condition, he is stuck suction-cupped to the airplane’s bathroom
toilet, while he watches his dog fall out of cargo, flying into a propeller
which shreds it to pieces. Nashawn sues the company and wins $110 million,
with which he uses to start up his own airline company. It’s a silly
premise, but one could only expect such in a production of this nature.
There are two very funny aspects to Soul Plane,
which make the trashy remainder of it seem acceptable. The first is the
contrast between the first-class and coach sections of the plane. In the
former, passengers watch the Flight Safety Video on widescreen, plasma TV’s,
while in the latter, they’re looking at a barely viewable version, on a
busted-out, used tube. Not to mention if one embarking on the luxurious side
of the ride is easily bored, they can always head upstairs to dance in the
plane’s built-in-club. For the in-flight meal, the wealthy patrons of the
new airline can choose between lobster, fillet mignon, and other prized
dishes. Those sitting in the back half of the vehicle have to take one piece
of Popeye’s chicken and pass the remainders to the next person in their
vertical row, who repeats the process. Among those eating the famous
fast-food restaurant’s product, the second hilarious feature Soul Plane
has to offer can be found, Tom Arnold as Mr. Hunkee. He’s one of the four
evident white characters on the trip (the other three are the other members
of his family), after being redirected by another airline when his previous
flight is cancelled. His daughter, Heather (Arielle Kebbel) turns eighteen
onboard, and her conversations with him regarding sex are priceless.
However, my spoiling them would be an insult to future viewers of the movie.
Details take a backseat to chaos here, which
undeniably detracts from the comedy as a whole. Development is the
sole trait that recent comedies lack, which is incredibly unfortunate.
Character’s backgrounds and motives play a huge part of an audience’s
response to humor. It is not a good sign when I can only vaguely recollect
where Hunkee, his two kids, and girlfriend were traveling to and why they
were doing so, a mere two and a half hours after the movie. Aside from maybe
three scenes, I will have completely forgotten Soul Plane in sixth
months. At least bad movies resonate with you, and as time moves on you
develop a greater hatred for them. Something finally comes out of
them. Mediocre ones simply mellow for awhile, and are then lost in the sands
of time.
This one will make a terrific matinee trip now and
even better bargain-rental in the near future. Plus, anytime moviegoers have
the chance to see Snoop Dogg “act”, they should naturally take it. As I
reflect upon my experiences with Soul Plane, I do realize it was much
better than I expected it would be. Strangely enough, though, I always had
an odd curiosity which was begging to see it, even after taking its
potential poor quality into consideration. Checking it out doesn’t serve as
any great loss; it’s never a painful or relentless affair, fortunately. I
suppose nothing but the old saying could elucidate the whole hap better:
“Try it. You just might like it.” And I think I’ll just leave it at that.
-Danny, Bucket Reviews (6.10.2004)
Back to Home
The Bucket Review's
Rating Scale