Passengers (2016)

Directed by Morten Tyldum 

Written by Jon Spaihts 

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Laurence Fishburne and Michael Sheen

*contains spoilers*

     I went into this film feeling extremely bias considering the leads are Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, who are two of my favorite actors. To say my heightened expectations of the film were met would be an exaggeration but I also wouldn't say I was underwhelmed whatsoever. This science fiction/romance film, brought to life by director Morten Tyldum director of oscar nominated Imitation Game (2014), has an intriguing storyline and unconventional love story that keeps you engaged. 

     The film is set during what I assume is the near future based on the extremely advanced technology however no the year is never said. What we do know is the Homestead II spaceship is in the midst of its 120 year long journey to the distant space colony. On board the ship is nearly 5000 passengers and 200 crew members whom are all in a cryogenic hibernation for the century long expedition. The ship encounters unforeseen errors as an asteroid strikes it, causing one of the sleep chambers to malfunction thus waking up inhabitant Jim Preston (Chris Pratt), nearly 90 years early. Mechanic Jim, spends a year on the ship alone, trying to find any way out of his troubling situation. His tireless efforts of finding a way to get back to sleep become cloaked with debilitating loneliness. He will die of old age before the ship reaches its destination or someone else awakens. Jim's only solace to his loneliness is waking someone up. 

     Initially repulsed by the thought of forcing someone else to wake up, Jim gives into temptation as he discovers fellow passenger, writer Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence). After waking up, Aurora goes through the same initial shock as Jim did a year prior. Once this shock is over and she begins to accept her fate, thus commences the love story between Jim and Aurora. 

     Jon Spaihts writes a script that doesn't force us to agree with Jim's actions but to understand why he did it and causing us to sympathize with him. Jim is simply acting out of desperation and fear of living out his 50-60 remaining years alone aside from a somewhat human robot, Arthur (Martin Sheen). His actions make us ask ourselves if we would do the same or not. 

     As Jim and Aurora's love story is at its peak only about halfway through the movie, its pretty easy to predict that she will find out that her "accidental" awakening was no accident at all. Once she does, the results are devastating as you would expect. I really enjoyed the storyline of the is film up to the downfall of the climax of Aurora finding out Jim's secret. The remainder of the movie plays out sort of predictably as the ship is failing even more and the estranged lovers must team up with ship captain (Laurence Fishburne) to save themselves and the still sleeping 2000 plus passengers. 

     The chemistry between Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt was very enjoyable to watch. Considering they are two of my favorite actors, this pairing was anticipated and magical for me. Lawrence does a superb job at portraying this character that goes from optimistic over her new adventure to devastated over waking up early to falling in love with a total stranger than being betrayed by what he did. Bravo Jen. It has been fun to watch Pratt's transition from chubby Andy Dwyer on sitcom, Parks and Recreation  to action movie star. 

     Passengers has a great storyline aside from the sometimes predictability. Problems aside, the film has a great pair of actors in the lead roles with great charisma. Another movie involving space that is definitely worth watching. 

I give Passengers a... 

7/10