Passenger 57

This routine hijack drama lacks the budget and class to match the Die Hard films it seeks to emulate. It's lifted, however, by a top-flight performance by Wesley Snipes, whose fast-talking airline security expert enlivens the plot with his screen presence, physical grace and devastating martial arts skills. 'Always bet on black,' Snipes advises feisty flight attendant Datcher, after Payne, freed from his FBI captors by fellow terrorists, takes over a domestic flight to Los Angeles. The plot soon nose dives; but what it lacks in logic, it makes up for in relentless action. An efficient, entertaining time-waster, but Snipes deserved better for his first solo starring role.