Few experiences match curling up on the sofa to watch a gripping blockbuster that holds your attention throughout.

Tonight on Film 4, Plane stars Scottish acting heavyweight Gerard Butler as an airline pilot battling both nature and humanity to protect his passengers. Alongside Mike Colter, who plays a suspected murderer aboard the aircraft, the unlikely duo must unite to survive on a remote, conflict-ridden island.

The film achieved solid box office returns upon release, attracting decent audiences and generating respectable profits. It earned positive reviews from critics, whilst devoted fans who describe it as “perfect” rank it alongside major blockbusters.

Butler portrays Brodie Torrance, a former RAF officer now working as a commercial pilot commanding a Trailblazer Airlines flight from Singapore to Honolulu. Amongst the 14 passengers is murder suspect Louis Gaspare (Colter), being extradited to Canada under the supervision of a Canadian Mounted Police officer.

During the journey, the aircraft encounters severe weather conditions and is struck by lightning, resulting in the deaths of the officer and a flight attendant. Compelled to make an emergency landing on a remote island in the southern Philippines under rebel control, Brodie joins forces with Louis to prevent the rebels from taking additional passengers hostage, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/ultimate-blockbuster-perfect-aspects-film-36418307″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Butler recalled one of his favourite moments in the film, which he had to battle to preserve in the finished version. The scene shows Captain Brodie wanting to intervene as he and Louis witness hostages being violently mistreated from their concealed position.

However, the muscular criminal restrains him, concerned it might escalate matters.

“I had a big fight for that scene because the studio said, ‘No, he’s the hero. He can’t watch this happen. He would have to go and do something about it,'” Butler told the Radio Times. He successfully argued for its inclusion, though the Scottish star had minor reservations about pushing for it once filming began with his considerably larger co-star.

“He kept climbing on top of me and then I’m like, ‘This was not really the brightest idea,'” he jokee. “I don’t know why I fought for this sequence because it’s getting particularly annoying!”.

Helmed by Jean-Francois Richet, Plane hit cinemas in 2023 to predominantly favourable reviews. The film grossed $74.5 million globally against a production budget of $25 million.

Enthusiastic viewers express their appreciation on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts a 78% rating. One viewer said: “Little to complain about, action left and right, hard to predict at every scene, very well done!” Another lauded it as: “A perfect thriller in all aspects. This time I really can’t understand the complaints from some of the critics. Not one boring minute here.”

A third viewer believed it outshone many bigger budget productions: “It’s a movie that doesn’t lose the grip, it’s interesting and in spite of all the adversity situations it is believable. This movie puts many blockbusters in its pocket. It’s Great Fun! ! Well done,” they said.

Meanwhile, a fourth praised it for its thrilling action sequences: “I read some whiny comments about suspending disbelief, implausible plot, whine, whine, whine,” they said before adding, “strap in, fasten your safety belt, lock and load your AK47, and hang on for dear life. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride… Above all, do what the Captain says and you just might make it home.”