Review of Passengers

Passengers (2008)
7/10
A well-meaning movie with poignant moments...
8 August 2014
but (as pointed out by many of the 'haters' reviewing it here!), spoiled by the pace, as well as a tad derivative; however, it's chief weakness IMO is it's lack of focus (it never decides whether it's a thriller, romance or supernatural suspense, and the resultant mix is a mash-up of all three!) and chief strengths a strong cast, and a sweet resolution…which I can't help thinking, would be immensely comforting to all who have ever endured sudden loss of loved ones to any sort of unexpected snatched-from-life death (unless completely closed off to all and any post-life beliefs of any sort). Though much of the script is cumbersome and repetitive, there are some strong moments - for instance, when it is asserted (correctly, IMO) that knowing the truth is part of the healing process (as clearly demonstrated by the pilot's inability to heal & move on - because he's taking too much responsibility for what happened, unable to accept that there were other factors involved beyond his control). There was also a 'loose end' in the 'conspiracy' aspect of the story, which was unsatisfying; the plot-line should have led to some sort of accountability in the finale which would have resolved EVERY aspect of what we had just watched - for rather too long (= a judicious edit would have been an asset!). In summary I think it's an amateurish effort but with merit, and would recommend this - along with the late, great Anthony Minghella's 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' - to anyone suffering from sudden loss.
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