Flightplan: Why The Controversy?

The recent controversy over the film “Flightplan” had the opposite effect on me than I’m sure the flight attendants that were offended by film intended.

It made me want to go see the movie.

If you watch the news, talk shows or any of the “Entertainment Tonight” type shows, you have also probably noticed that a growing number of subculture groups are taking offense at the way they are being portrayed by the media – both entertainment media and news media. Some complaints are valid; some are not. I wanted to see for myself which category “Flightplan” belonged.

So, last Saturday, I went to the matinée to see a movie that I would not have normally wanted to see. Sure the previews made it look like it would be a good flick, and Jodie Foster is, in my opinion (and most movie critics would agree), one of the best actresses of the current Hollywood population. However, the price of a movie ticket has made me very selective on which flicks I see in the theater, not to mention soaring gas prices have made it necessary for me to almost totally eliminate my entertainment budget. But, after watching several celebrities and commentators state that the criticism flight attendants had for the film was invalid because “people can tell the difference between real life and movies,” all I could think was, “well, that’s beside the point, you didn’t actually say if the film really did show flight attendants in a bad light.”

When the lights dimmed and the movie finally started, I half expected to see a screenplay that would make me never want to fly again. What I found instead was a very well done suspense film that actually portrayed the airlines and their employees in a positive light. If you haven’t seen “Flightplan” yet, be warned that a few minor spoilers are included below, but hopefully none that will ruin the movie for you.