Adrenalin-pumping political thriller that doesn't let up from start to finish.
Executive Decision (1996)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:36
Fresh:24
Rotten:12
Average Rating:6/10
Runtime: 2 hrs 13 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Synopsis: A flight en route to Washington, D.C. is hijacked by Islamic terrorists, who demand $50 million and their leader's release. To show that they mean business, the men have smuggled enough nerve gas... A flight en route to Washington, D.C. is hijacked by Islamic terrorists, who demand $50 million and their leader's release. To show that they mean business, the men have smuggled enough nerve gas onboard to wipe out half of the U.S. The government must now make an "executive decision" as to whether to shoot down the plane and sacrifice the passengers, for the sake and safety of America. In the meantime, a gung-ho, multi-ethnic task force is sent into action, led by no-nonsense Austin Travis, and including intelligence analyst David Grant. They attempt to sneak onto the plane in midair, using an experimental aircraft that attaches to the bottom of the jetliner. However, Travis does not survive. Now, The tuxedoed Grant (who's more comfortable behind a desk) must lead the commandoes, and find a way to stop the terrorists -- before it's too late. [More]
Starring: Kurt Russell, Steven Seagal, Halle Berry, David Suchet
Starring: Kurt Russell, Steven Seagal, Halle Berry, David Suchet, John Leguizamo, Oliver Platt, Joe Morton
Director: Stuart Baird
Director: Stuart Baird
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Screenwriter: Jim Thomas, John Thomas
Producer: Joel Silver
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Reviews for Executive Decision
The great thing about the movie is that, although it's ludicrously predictable along the lines of every 'Die Hard on a [name your vehicle],' the filmmakers still manage to wring every scene for the most thrills possible.
It seems to bring up more questions than could possibly be answered in a two-hour movie, but all of the pieces start to fall into place as the movie picks up speed.
If you go to Executive Decision, sit back and try to enjoy the explosions and high-tech gadgetry. But more importantly, try to get there late.
For uncomplicated excitement, the film offers a solid one-hundred thirty minutes.
It doesn't always work, but there's something inspiring about Baird's unwillingness to follow the usual formula.
Executive Decision is just about what you'd expect in the action genre.
The film is well done, well executed and the best action film to come along in a long while.
Stuart Baird's direction is so sluggish and Jim and John Thomas' script so padded that Executive Decision has no build.
There's nothing like a protracted action drama in which anti-terrorist commandos slink around the bowels of an airborne 747 and talk about what they hope to accomplish upstairs in the final shootout.
A movie for people who are sophisticated enough to know how shameless the film is, but fun-loving enough to enjoy its excesses and manic zeal.
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