FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX

REVIEWED BY SHANNON H.

Our rating: 3 out of 5

Because of: foul language, violence

Rated:

We've all imagined ourselves, at one point or another, stranded in the middle of nowhere with little food, little water, and not a chance of survival or a $1 million check from TV producer Mark Burnett. Imagine if you will, being stranded NOT on an island but in the middle of the desert with scorching 120 degree heat, small water supply, and nothing but canned food to live on. 

Frank Towns (Dennis Quaid) is an airplane pilot scheduled to fly a group of American and British passengers working in the Mongolian desert. After some squabbles with one worker, Kelly (Miranda Otto), Frank and his co-pilot A.J. (Tyrese Gibson) head for the unknown. Soon they find themselves trying to fly above a severe windstorm. Ignoring a passenger's pleas to land the plane immediately, the two "macho," egotistical pilots continue on only to be forced to make an emergency landing in the middle of nowhere. Stranded with little water, canned peaches, and themselves, panic sets in (the plane itself is destroyed). After spending a few days worrying about their future, an egghead named Elliott (Giovanni Ribisi) suggests that the plane can be rebuilt. Relying on his knowledge of building model airplanes, he oversees the entire operation from start to finish and through the obstacles the crew must face: much more than nature itself. They also have to deal with clashing egos, authority figures, trust issues, and one another. Frank Towns often finds himself at odds with the nerdy Elliott, the head of a model airplane company. 

There are only a couple of references to sex, however, they are insignificant and shouldn't offend anyone. The problem with this film is the violence and the language. I lost count of the s-words that were used, along with common profanities, harsh abuse of deity, and two whispered f-words. The violence matches the rating perfectly.  There's constant punching, some shootings, as well as two rotting human carcasses and bloodied flesh. The film does teach us a lot about cooperation, trust, and believing in a goal. One of the crew members, Liddle (Scott Michael Campbell) says to Frank Towns that some people would spend their entire lives to achieve their lifetime goals even if they die trying. He also says that humans ought to have a common goal in their life, something to work for, even if it can't be reached. In other words, persistence is the key. We all know the scripture Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."  We can do anything if Christ gives us the means and the strength to persist.  If we give up, our hopes and dreams die and then we would have nothing to live for. 

Flight of the Phoenix also addresses the issue of trust and authority. Elliott, the airplane nerd, insists that he knows what he's doing and implores Frank that he be in charge. Frank resists, feeling that his authority is threatened by someone whom he believes is not trustworthy. Soon Frank realizes that survival and respect is more important than authority and that he and his crew must work together and follow Elliott's lead in order to live. In situations like this, teamwork is important, not just in survival but in the workplace, the church, and most importantly, family life and marriage, two God-inspired institutions. I enjoyed this feature, but it's worth more as a rental. Although I haven't seen the original made in 1965, I will do that in the future. The movie had some continuity errors, photography boo-boos, and cheesy dialogue. The profanity and the violence could be toned down. I would recommend it to individuals 13 and over. Better yet, use the film as a Bible study on leadership, respect, and persistence and how the movie embodies these characteristics.