The crime-thrillerNew Jack Cityproved he could play a charismatic but hot-headed gangster with elements of humanity.
Then the basketball comedyWhite Men Cant Jumpshowcased both his athletic skills and his brotherly chemistry withWoody Harrelson.
WhenPassenger 57came along, however,Snipes entered a new cinematic arena that would forever define his career.
Image via Warner Bros.
Passenger 57was in line with multipleDie Hard-inspiredknockoffsinvolving one man up against terrorists in a contained space.
The script was developed byStewart Raffillas a potential vehicle forClint Eastwoodbefore Snipes casting as security expert John Cutter.
What Is ‘Passenger 57’ About?
An airline security expert must take action when he finds himself trapped on a passenger jet when terrorists seize control of it.
But its not as simple as landing the plane to save the hostages.
Now, Cutter has to contend with Rane and local law enforcement before the terrorists can execute the hostages.
The entire pictureplays like a feature-length demo reel of Snipes future in the action genre.
Outside the action, Snipes confidence as an action star is on full display.
What also complements Snipes performance isthe scene-stealing Payne who chews up the scenery as the cunning terrorist.
The duality between him and Snipes follows in the tradition ofSylvester StalloneandRutger HauerinNighthawksas well asBruce WillisandAlan RickmaninDie Hard.
Passenger 57helped to pave the way for more airline-set action thrillers likeExecutive DecisionandAir Force One.
