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Soul Plane
2004 - R - 86 Mins.
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| Director: Jessy Terrero | | Producer: Jessy Terrero, Bo Zenga | | Written By: Bo Zenga, Chuck Wilson | | Starring: Kevin Hart, Tom Arnold, Method Man, Missi Pyle, Snoop Dogg, D.L. Hughley, John Witherspoon |
| Review by: Carl Langley |
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Laugh or we'll kill your ass
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Expectations have to be on an ultimate low for anyone who walks into the theater with their extra large bucket of buttery popcorn and cup of flat fountain soda to view 'Soul Plane,' a downsized, rehashed version of one of the most memorable eighties comedies, 'Airplane.' There isn't much of a story - all the jokes are either worn out or without a fresh sting, and it doesn't have a single ounce of glamour in any of its 86-minutes. Directed by Jessy Terrero, 'Soul Plane' offers minimal laughs; the occasional chuckle will slip out, yet extreme gut-busters are missing in this embarrassing travesty.
Chris Tucker wannabe Kevin Hart plays Nashawn, an unfortunate man who gets his behind stuck in the airplane toilet and witnesses his dog fly into the jet propeller. He becomes a fortunate man when he promptly collects 100 million dollars from the airline and starts NWA, his own airline company. NWA is more focused on the African American culture, forcing the stereotypical jokes that the Wayans brothers have already covered in their films. Things such as fried chicken for the low class attendants, the entire plane jumping to the beat of hip hop, or the weed-smoking pilot (Snoop Dogg) are all predictable. Of course, has there ever been a movie where Snoop Dogg doesn't puff?
The comedy is flatter than the theater’s fountain soda, and at times even repulsive. The scene where a security guard strip searches a man because she is physically attracted to him is appalling. Other distasteful acts include the fingering of a baked potato, and a couple’s determination to repeatedly join the mile high club.
What may gather some laughs are the miserable attempts at sincerity. When the film tries to get serious, such as Arnold trying to patch things up with his rebellious daughter and Nashawn trying to rekindle a relationship with the former love of his life, it completely wanders off course.
Take a look at this list of actors and it should be reason enough to stay clear of this film: Tom Arnold, Method Man, Snoop Dogg, D.L. Hughley, Mo’Nique, Godfrey, Brian Hooks, Big Boy, Lil’ John. There are enough one names, nicknames, and mediocre stand-ups to paint a skull and crossbones underneath.
Attempting to copy the antics of a previously successful film is always an arduous task. Not only does 'Soul Plane' fail to live up to it's inspiration 'Airplane,' it disgraces the original idea. Though 'Soul Plane' is supposed to be essentailly a gag film, it ends up leaving a sour taste in your mouth. Watching the movie was nothing short of depressing and tedious.
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