When I stumbled upon the 2023 thriller "97 Minutes" and saw that the movie had Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Alec Baldwin on the cast list, I opted to sit down and watch what writer Pavan Grover had to offer. Initially I thought that I would be in for a run-of-the-mill generic plane hijacking movie, but still opted to give the movie the benefit of the doubt.

But "97 Minutes" was exactly that; a run-of-the-mill generic plane hijacking movie, for better or worse. Sure, if you enjoy thrillers with a plane hijacking theme, then you're in for a treat here, because director Timo Vuorensola plays if safe and puts all his money on all the tropes that you've seen in countless movies similar to this one already. But hey, at least you know what you are getting.

I have to say, that while the storyline from writer Pavan Grover was adequate, it was a very generic movie. It provided adequate entertainment for a single viewing. But that is also all there was to "97 Minutes", because it is a one trick pony. This is not a movie that has the contents for more than a single viewing.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Alec Baldwin were nicely cast for the movie and carried it well enough with their performances. And I have to say that Alec Baldwin, especially, seems to be cut out for roles such as the one he portrayed in "97 Minutes".

Visually then "97 Minutes" was adequate. The special effects and CGI were good and definitely helped to bring the movie to life in a believable manner.

Watchable for what it was, "97 Minutes" ultimately is a generic plane hijacking movie.

My rating of "97 Minutes" lands on a five out of ten stars.

This movie made no sense at all! For starters, we are thrown into it with zero build up. No proper character introduction or explanation.

Second, it was hilarious that the terrorists suspected/knew the one guy was a traitor. "One thing goes wrong? We have a traitor!" Why do you suspect him? Why do you think there's a traitor? Never explained.

Also, I found it appalling how INSTANTLY they wanted to shoot down a passenger plane full of people. Really, that was their first option? And then they end up shooting down a completely random, innocent plane.

This movie had potential, the concept is great. The execution was terrible and left me very disappointed.

If you could concoct a film that denied you all facts, that could relay a story in disjointed acts, where the edits and acting were cobbled and crude, where the outcomes can't be more distorted and skewed; then sit down, buckle up, as you're in for a ride, watch a plane that's been crippled, without effort just glide, listen in behind doors that can catch all you whisper, it's not long that you think they've all had a good snifter (the writers must have been three sheets at least); be afraid for the money that's been spent of defences, as tugging on wires can outfox all their senses (sight unseen!), be afraid, really worry, you might raise a red flag, if you meet terrorists, with a magical bag, out of which they can conjure an old Russian bomb, and deploy it like they're, in your favourite sitcom.