97 Minutes – Film Review

A hijacked 767 will crash in just 97 minutes when its fuel runs out. Against the strong will of NSA Deputy Toyin, NSA Director Hawkins prepares to have the plane shot down before it does any catastrophic damage on the ground, leaving the fate of the innocent passengers in the hands of Alex, an undercover Interpol agent who has been embedded in the terrorist cell.

Directed by Timo Vuorensola, 97 Minutes is a film that attempts to deliver an intense and suspenseful thriller centered around a hijacked airplane with a limited time before it crashes. However, despite its intriguing premise, the movie falls short in several aspects, resulting in a lackluster and forgettable viewing experience.

One of the most disappointing aspects of 97 Minutes is Alec Baldwin‘s lead performance. Known for his talent and versatility, Baldwin delivers a genuinely terrible portrayal that feels uninspired and devoid of any real effort. It almost seems as if he accepted the role solely for a paycheck, and his lack of commitment is evident throughout the film. Furthermore, after not seeing Baldwin in major roles for a while, it feels odd to witness his return in such a lackluster production.

The action sequences in 97 Minutes are another major letdown. Instead of offering gripping and exhilarating moments, they are extremely boring and poorly filmed. There is a distinct lack of excitement or flair given to these scenes, making them feel mundane and unimpressive. The audience is left craving for more intensity and adrenaline, but the film fails to deliver on these fronts.

In addition to its disappointing performances and lackluster action, the story itself feels contrived and laughably bad at times. The premise of a hijacked airplane with a limited time frame should inherently create tension and suspense. However, 97 Minutes struggles to capitalize on this potential, resulting in a narrative that feels forced and unconvincing. The attempts at plot twists and unexpected revelations often fall flat, leaving the audience more bewildered than engaged.

Moreover, the film can become confusing at times, further detracting from the overall viewing experience. In a movie titled 97 Minutes, it is ironic that the actual running time of the film is only 93 minutes. Not that it’s a big deal obviously, but it’s quite funny to think about.

Despite its shortcomings, 97 Minutes does have a few redeeming qualities. The supporting cast, although underutilized, delivers decent performances that provide some respite from Baldwin’s lackluster lead. The film also showcases some visually appealing cinematography, which adds a touch of aesthetic appeal to an otherwise disappointing experience. However, these positive aspects are unfortunately overshadowed by the film’s numerous flaws.

97 Minutes fails to live up to its potential as a gripping thriller. Alec Baldwin’s lackluster lead performance, coupled with poorly executed action sequences and a contrived storyline, result in a film that feels underwhelming and forgettable. The confusion and inconsistency throughout the narrative further detract from the overall viewing experience. While the movie does have a few redeeming qualities, they are simply not enough to salvage it from being an unremarkable and ultimately disappointing entry in the thriller genre.