“Con Air” is a high-octane action thriller released in 1997, directed by Simon West and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The film boasts an ensemble cast led by Nicolas Cage, who stars as Cameron Poe, a decorated U.S. Army Ranger and war hero, who is wrongfully convicted of manslaughter after defending his pregnant wife in a bar fight.
The story unfolds as Poe is released from prison on parole and is onboard a flight to return home to his family. However, the flight takes an unexpected turn when a group of dangerous and violent convicts led by Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom, portrayed by John Malkovich, hijack the plane. The convicts are ruthless and have a plan to escape to freedom using the aircraft as their getaway vehicle.
As Poe is thrust into this dangerous situation, he must decide whether to sit back and wait for help or take action to save the innocent passengers and regain his freedom. Driven by his sense of duty and honor, Poe decides to take on the convicts and fight for justice while also trying to stay alive and protect those around him.
The film is action-packed, featuring intense fight scenes, explosive set-pieces, and adrenaline-pumping sequences, including a thrilling plane crash landing in the Las Vegas strip. The aerial stunts and special effects add to the movie’s excitement and spectacle.
Aside from Cage and Malkovich, “Con Air” features an impressive supporting cast, including John Cusack as U.S. Marshal Vince Larkin, who attempts to coordinate the rescue operation from the ground, and Steve Buscemi as Garland “The Marietta Mangler” Greene, a sinister convict with a dark past.
While “Con Air” received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, it gained a cult following over the years, primarily due to its over-the-top action, memorable performances, and quotable lines. The film is often praised for its entertaining and unapologetically intense style.
Overall, “Con Air” remains a thrilling and enjoyable action movie that provides audiences with an adrenaline-fueled escape, showcasing Nicolas Cage at the height of his action-hero career and delivering a roller-coaster ride of excitement and suspense.
Additional Details
- Movie Studio: Touchstone Pictures
- Year Released: 1997
- Type of Movie: Live Action
- Box Office: $224 million
- Awards: Nominated Academy Award
- IMDB Link
Cast
- Nicolas Cage: Cameron Poe
- John Cusack: Vince Larkin
- John Malkovich: Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom
- Steve Buscemi: Garland “The Marietta Mangler” Greene
- Ving Rhames: Nathan “Diamond Dog” Jones
- Colm Meaney: DEA agent Duncan Malloy
- Danny Trejo: Johnny “Johnny 23” Baca
- M.C. Gainey: Earl “Swamp Thing” Williams
- Nick Chinlund: William “Billy Bedlam” Bedford
- Dave Chappelle: Joe “Pinball” Parker
- Mykelti Williamson: Mike “Baby-O” O’Dell
- Jesse Borrego: Francisco Cindino
- Rachel Ticotin: Guard Sally Bishop
- Steve Eastin: Guard Falzon
- Angela Featherstone: Ginny
- Monica Potter: Tricia Poe
- Landry Allbright: Casey Poe
Crew
- Director: Simon West
- Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer
- Writer: Scott Rosenberg