Formerly an ace film editor, Stuart Baird here makes his directorial debut with a sleek escapist action flick. Executive Decision is a bit of Airport, a bit of The Delta Force, and a bit of James Bond, all rolled into one. From a post 9/11 standpoint, the idea of an aircraft being used as a weapon against the United States is almost queasy. However it's important to remember that the film was made in 1996 and was intended purely as an action blockbuster. Compared with the other adrenalin-pumping action films made around that time this one still holds its own, and is actually a good deal better than some of the less successful entries in the genre.
A team of anti-terrorism commandos headed by Colonel Travis (Steven Seagal) raid a villa outside Trieste in search of a stolen nerve gas. Though their raid is successful in some ways, they do not find the deadly substance that they seek. Shortly afterwards, a plane from Athens to Washington DC is hijacked by a gang of terrorists led by infamous fanatic Hassan (David Suchet). Initially Hassan indicates that the hijacking is designed to bring about the freedom of an imprisoned terrorist colleague. However, Dr David Grant (Kurt Russell), head of an anti-terrorist think-tank, believes that Hassan has somehow smuggled the nerve gas aboard the plane and is actually planning to release it, resulting in the loss of millions of lives. Having convinced the top brass that his theory might be correct Grant is sent, along with Travis and his commando bunch, to deal with the threat. They travel by a prototype stealth jet and secretly board the hijacked plane whilst in flight. Once on board, their mission is to locate and neutralise the nerve gas bombs, then regain control of the plane by taking out the terrorists.
Although Executive Decision is a largely by-the-numbers action offering, there are a few angles that make it slightly different from the norm. For instance one of the main characters meets an unexpectedly early death, all the more surprising because we in the audience are banking on him being present for the requisite happy ending! The suspense is maintained pretty well throughout, with many hardships befalling the heroes and lots of nerve-jangling moments along the way to the denouement. Also, veteran music scorer Jerry Goldsmith adds an agreeably dramatic air to the proceedings. But these strong points are negated by some unfortunate shortcomings among which can be counted simplistic posturing, moments of silliness, and a misjudged and overwrought ending. Overall, Executive Decision is an enjoyable and well-packaged action flick in spite of its occasional shortcomings. If you catch it in the right frame of mind, it genuinely hits the spot.
A team of anti-terrorism commandos headed by Colonel Travis (Steven Seagal) raid a villa outside Trieste in search of a stolen nerve gas. Though their raid is successful in some ways, they do not find the deadly substance that they seek. Shortly afterwards, a plane from Athens to Washington DC is hijacked by a gang of terrorists led by infamous fanatic Hassan (David Suchet). Initially Hassan indicates that the hijacking is designed to bring about the freedom of an imprisoned terrorist colleague. However, Dr David Grant (Kurt Russell), head of an anti-terrorist think-tank, believes that Hassan has somehow smuggled the nerve gas aboard the plane and is actually planning to release it, resulting in the loss of millions of lives. Having convinced the top brass that his theory might be correct Grant is sent, along with Travis and his commando bunch, to deal with the threat. They travel by a prototype stealth jet and secretly board the hijacked plane whilst in flight. Once on board, their mission is to locate and neutralise the nerve gas bombs, then regain control of the plane by taking out the terrorists.
Although Executive Decision is a largely by-the-numbers action offering, there are a few angles that make it slightly different from the norm. For instance one of the main characters meets an unexpectedly early death, all the more surprising because we in the audience are banking on him being present for the requisite happy ending! The suspense is maintained pretty well throughout, with many hardships befalling the heroes and lots of nerve-jangling moments along the way to the denouement. Also, veteran music scorer Jerry Goldsmith adds an agreeably dramatic air to the proceedings. But these strong points are negated by some unfortunate shortcomings among which can be counted simplistic posturing, moments of silliness, and a misjudged and overwrought ending. Overall, Executive Decision is an enjoyable and well-packaged action flick in spite of its occasional shortcomings. If you catch it in the right frame of mind, it genuinely hits the spot.