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Best Gerard Butler Movies of All Time Ranked

Gerard Butler as John Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Gerard Butler is the king of the sequels!

He’s helped created popular franchises from film’s like ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘, ‘Den of Thieves‘, and ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ with an upcoming sequel for ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ and a follow up to ‘Plane‘ in the works.
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In his latest sequel, ‘Greenland 2: Migration‘, which is a follow up to 2020’s ‘Greenland‘, opens in theaters on January 9th.

In honor of the new remake, Moviefone has compiled a list of the 25 best Gerard Butler movies of all-time, including his latest.

Let’s begin!

Related Article: Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Talk ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’

25. ‘Gamer‘ (2009)

Gerard Butler in ‘Gamer’. Photo: Lionsgate.

Mind-control technology has taken society by a storm, a multiplayer on-line game called “Slayers” allows players to control human prisoners in mass-scale. Simon (Logan Lerman) controls Kable (Butler), the online champion of the game. Kable’s ultimate challenge becomes regaining his identity and independence by defeating the game’s mastermind (Michael C. Hall).
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24. ‘Hunter Killer‘ (2018)

Captain Glass (Butler) of the USS Arkansas discovers that a coup d’état is taking place in Russia, so he and his crew join an elite group working on the ground to prevent a war.
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23. ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life‘ (2003)

Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) ventures to an underwater temple in search of the mythological Pandora’s Box but, after securing it, it is promptly stolen by the villainous leader of a Chinese crime syndicate. Lara must recover the box before the syndicate’s evil mastermind (Ciarán Hinds) uses it to construct a weapon of catastrophic capabilities.
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22. ‘Reign of Fire‘ (2002)

In post-apocalyptic England, an American volunteer (Matthew McConaughey) and a British survivor (Christian Bale) team up to fight off a brood of fire-breathing dragons seeking to return to global dominance after centuries of rest underground. The Brit — leading a clan of survivors to hunt down the King of the Dragons — has much at stake: His mother was killed by a dragon, but his love (Izabella Scorupco) is still alive.
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21. ‘Timeline‘ (2003)

A group of archaeological students (Butler, Paul Walker, and Frances O’Connor) become trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve their professor (Billy Connolly). The group must survive in 14th century France long enough to be rescued.
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20. ‘Greenland 2: Migration‘ (2026)

(L to R) Gerard Butler as John Garrity, Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity, and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Having found the safety of the Greenland bunker after the comet Clarke decimated the Earth, the Garrity family ( Butler, Morena Baccarin and Roman Griffin Davis) must now risk everything to embark on a perilous journey across the wasteland of Europe to find a new home.
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19. ‘The Bounty Hunter‘ (2010)

A revered bounty hunter’s (Butler) latest gig is rather satisfying, as his bail-skipper is his ex-wife (Jennifer Aniston), who has no intention of getting nabbed without a fight.
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18. ‘The Phantom of the Opera‘ (2004)

Deformed since birth, a bitter man known only as the Phantom (Butler) lives in the sewers underneath the Paris Opera House. He falls in love with the obscure chorus singer Christine (Emmy Rossum), and privately tutors her while terrorizing the rest of the opera house and demanding Christine be given lead roles. Things get worse when Christine meets back up with her childhood acquaintance Raoul (Patrick Wilson) and the two fall in love.
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17. ‘Greenland‘ (2020)

John Garrity (Butler), his estranged wife (Morena Baccarin) and their young son embark on a perilous journey to find sanctuary as a planet-killing comet hurtles toward Earth. Amid terrifying accounts of cities getting leveled, the Garritys experience the best and worst in humanity. As the countdown to the global apocalypse approaches zero, their incredible trek culminates in a desperate and last-minute flight to a possible safe haven.
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16. ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)

After a treacherous attack, Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Butler) is charged with attempting to assassinate President Trumbull (Morgan Freeman). Chased by his own colleagues and the FBI (Jada Pinkett Smith), Banning begins a race against the clock to clear his name.
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15. ‘Machine Gun Preacher‘ (2011)

Gerard Butler in ‘Machine Gun Preacher’. Photo: Relativity Media.

The true story of Sam Childers (Butler), a former drug-dealing biker who finds God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who’ve been kidnapped and pressed into duty as soldiers.
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14. ‘Copshop‘ (2021)

On the run from a lethal assassin, a wily con artist (Frank Grillo) devises a scheme to hide out inside a small-town police station. However, when the hit man (Butler) turns up at the precinct, an unsuspecting rookie cop (Alexis Louder) finds herself caught in the crosshairs.
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13. ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)

Five years have passed since Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless (Randy Thom) united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons — and a mysterious dragon rider who turns out to be Hiccup’s mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Hiccup and Toothless then find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior named Drago (Djimon Hounsou).
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12. ‘Coriolanus‘ (2012)

Caius Martius, aka Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes), is an arrogant and fearsome general who has built a career on protecting Rome from its enemies. Pushed by his ambitious mother (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek the position of consul, Coriolanus is at odds with the masses and unpopular with certain colleagues. When a riot results in his expulsion from Rome, Coriolanus seeks out his sworn enemy, Tullus Aufidius (Butler). Together, the pair vow to destroy the great city.
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11. ‘Chasing Mavericks‘ (2012)

Surfer Jay Moriarity (Jonny Weston) sets out to ride the Northern California break known as Mavericks.
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10. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2025)

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
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9. ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera‘ (2025)

Big Nick (Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (O’Shea Jackson), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.
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8. ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)

In London for the Prime Minister’s funeral, Mike Banning (Butler) discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders.
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7. ‘RocknRolla‘ (2008)

When a Russian mobster (Karel Roden) sets up a real estate scam that generates millions of pounds, various members of London’s criminal underworld pursue their share of the fortune. Various shady characters, including Mr One-Two (Butler), Stella the accountant (Thandiwe Newton), and Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell), a druggie rock-star, try to claim their slice.
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6. ‘Plane‘ (2023)

After a heroic job of successfully landing his storm-damaged aircraft in a war zone, a fearless pilot (Butler) finds himself between the agendas of multiple militias planning to take the plane and its passengers hostage.
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5. ‘300‘ (2007)

Gerard Butler in ‘300’. Photo: Warner Bros.

Based on Frank Miller‘s graphic novel and directed by Zack Snyder, ‘300’ is very loosely based the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta (Butler) led his army against the advancing Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world’s first democracy.
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4. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Jay Baruchel) faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless (Randy Thom) – much to the chagrin of his warrior father (Butler).
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3. ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)

When the White House (Secret Service Code: “Olympus”) is captured by a terrorist mastermind and the President (Aaron Eckhart) is kidnapped, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning (Butler) finds himself trapped within the building. As the national security team scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning’s inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President and avert an even bigger disaster.
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2. ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ (2009)

A frustrated man (Butler) decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family’s killers free. He targets not only the killer but also the district attorney (Jamie Foxx) and others involved in the deal.
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1. ‘Den of Thieves‘ (2018)

(L to R) Maurice Compte and Gerard Butler in ‘Den of Thieves’. Photo: STXfilms.

A gritty crime saga which follows the lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank.
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February 8, 2026
Where To Watch The Action Thriller ‘Plane’
(L to R) Daniella Pineda as Bonnie Lane, Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance, and Yoson An as Samuel Dele in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

Talk about a movie that’ll make you think twice before booking your next flight.

‘Plane’ is the latest action-thriller that is plenty of fun with elements of ‘Con Air’, ‘Speed’, and ‘The Grey’. Packed with passengers trying to get home in time to ring in the New Year, the weather takes a turn for the worse and pilot Brodie Torance is forced to makes an emergency landing on a remote island. The passengers are safe from the deadly storm and lightning strikes, but the island they have just landed on is filled with more danger than they realize.

The film is directed by Jean-François Richet (‘Assault on Precinct 13‘) and stars Gerard Butler (‘Greenland‘) as commercial pilot Brodie Torrance, and Mike Colter (‘South Of Heaven‘) as accused murderer Louise Gaspare. As the movie tagline says “survive together or die along”, the two must learn to work together to survive the violent rebel group on the island.
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The official synopsis for ‘Plane’ is:

“In the white-knuckle action movie “Plane,” pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) saves his passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island — only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. In order to rescue the passengers, Torrance will need Gaspare’s help, and will learn there’s more to Gaspare than meets the eye.”

Butler is no stranger to action-packed movies such as ‘Plane’. From his portrayal as King Leonidas in ‘300’ to the ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ trilogies, you know you’re going to have a good time in the theater with him in the lead. Mike Colter is known for his role as the title character in Netflix’s hit Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’, and like Butler, is no stranger to action. With him playing opposite Butler, the pair creates an dynamic relationship that is worth watching.

The film also stars Yoson An (‘Mulan‘), Tony Goldwyn (‘People We Hate At The Wedding‘), Paul Ben-Victor (‘Emancipation‘), Evan Dane Taylor (‘Castle Falls‘), and Danelle Pineda (‘Cowboy Bebop’).

Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

Mike Colter To Return In ‘Plane’ Sequel

‘Plane’ opened on January 13, 2023 and has earned $32.1 million domestically. Worldwide, it has grossed just over $51 million. It has a Tomatoe-meter score of 77% from critics and 94% from audiences.

Clearly, the masses enjoyed the film and for those craving for more ‘Plane’ action, you’re in luck. Taking a nautical turn, Mike Colter will return to lead the sequel, titled ‘Ship’. The next installment will follow Mike Colter’s character Louise Gaspare, after he has disappeared into the jungles of Jolo Island. ‘Ship’ is expected to begin production in late 2023. Jean-François Richet will return as executive producer. No word yet if Gerarld Butler will be returning to the film to reprise his role.

Here’s what we know about the sequel so far – but be warned, if you haven’t seen ‘Plane’, there are spoilers ahead!

‘Ship’ will see Louis Gaspare (trying to lay low after the events on Jolo Island) aboard a cargo ship in East Asia to escape the Philippine island. While onboard, he discovers the very vessel he is on is being used as a ferry for a human trafficking ring. Gaspare will need to join forces with the ship’s second mate/navigator to take down the corrupt captain and free the ship’s passengers and captives.

(L to R) Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance and Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in “Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

Where Can I Watch ‘Plane’?

For those who prefer to see the action on the big screen, the action-thriller is still playing in select theaters. ‘Plane’ has a total runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes.

Buy Tickets: ‘Plane’ Movie Showtimes

Watch the official trailer for ‘Plane’ below:
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When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

We get it, you want to see the action from the comfort of your couch. ‘Plane’ is now available to rent On Demand for $19.99.

Where To Watch: ‘Plane’ Online

Prefer the own the physical copy? ‘Plane’ will be available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray (with special features) on March 28th, 2023.

(L to R) Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare and Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

More Action-Thriller Films Like ‘Plane’

‘Plane’ packs a punch, complete with nail-biting suspense, and huge action sequences. Paired with the unlikely partnership between Captain Brodie Torrance and Louise Gaspare, it makes it a very entertaining watch. For more high-octane action, check out the following films.
- ‘Sully‘ (2016)
- ‘The Grey‘ (2011)
- ‘Red Eye‘ (2005)
- ‘Con Air‘ (1997)
- ‘Air Force One‘ (1997)
- ‘Executive Decision‘ (1996)
- ‘Speed‘ (1994)
Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

See Gerard Butler In Action In These Titles

Whether he’s spartan kicking the messenger into the dark pit in ‘300’ or saving the President in ‘Olympus Has Fallen’, Gerard Butler has proven he is the man for the job. You can check out the following films to see him in action.
- ‘300‘ (2006)
- ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ (2009)
- ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)
- ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)
- ‘A Family Man‘ (2016)
- ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)
- ‘Greenland‘ (2020)
- ‘Geostorm‘ (2017)
- ‘Den Of Thieves‘ (2018)
(L to R) Gerard Butler and Mike Colter star in “Plane.’

‘Plane’ was released in theaters on January 13th, 2022 from Di Bonaventura Pictures, MadRiver Pictures, G-BASE, and Olive Hill Media. Directed by Jean-François Richet, and written by Charles Cumming and J. P. Davis, the film stars Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Tony Goldwyn, Paul Ben-Victor, Yonson An, and Daniella Pineda.

Watch Moviefone’s ‘Plane’ interviews with Gerard Butler and Mike Colter below:
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March 8, 2023
Gerard Butler Thriller ‘Plane’ Spawns ‘Ship’ Sequel
Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

There’s simplicity in storytelling and then there’s the quick, easy-to-understand but also easy-to-joke-about nature of this year’s Gerard Butler-starring action thriller ‘Plane’.

The internet naturally had a lot of fun when ‘Plane’ was announced, becoming the latest movie in which Butler has trouble in the air (or, in this case, the real trouble started when the plane crashed).

‘Plane’, which landed in theaters last month starred Butler alongside Mike Colter, Tony Goldwyn, Daniella Pineda, Lilly Krug and Paul Ben-Victor.

Jean-François Richet called the shots, working from a script by writers Charles Cumming and J.P. Davis. With a $25 million budget, the indie release has so far earned more than $43 million worldwide. So of course, a sequel is now on the way. The title this time? ‘Ship’!

According to Variety, ‘Ship’ will pick up where the original left off but focus on Colter’s character.
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What was the story of ‘Plane’?

For those who have yet to sample the testosterone-driven delights of ‘Plane’, here’s a basic briefing.

Pilot Brodie Torrance (Butler) saves his passengers on Trailblazer Flight 119 from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island––only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning.

When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare (Colter), an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. In order to rescue the passengers, Torrance will need Gaspare’s help, and will learn there’s more to Gaspare than meets the eye…

(L to R) Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare and Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Plane’

What will ‘Ship’ be about?

It might not have either writers or a director officially aboard yet, but ‘Ship’ has a concept…

Following a high-octane showdown with the local militia on Jolo’s shores, Gaspare manages to commandeer a fishing boat and escape the Philippines. But he’s not out of the woods yet: the media circus surrounding Flight 119 has elevated his public profile, making him the subject of an international manhunt.

Hoping to stay under the radar and get far away from his last known location, Gaspare hops aboard a cargo ship in East Asia that’s bound for South Africa. But as he settles in for a long voyage, the stowaway discovers that the ocean vessel is transporting more than goods—it’s also being used as a ferry for a human trafficking ring.

A strong moral code won’t allow Gaspare to simply stand by, so he once again puts his own freedom on hold. Together with the ship’s second mate, a last-minute addition to the crew who was unaware of its illicit activities, and a passenger with military experience and a bone to pick, Gaspare embarks on a mission to take down the ship’s corrupt captain, keep its innocent passengers safe, and liberate its captives.

The big question is whether Butler’s pilot character who––spoiler alert––also survives the first movie will show up to help out.

We can’t help but think the producers missed a trick not calling this next film ‘Train’, with ‘Automobile’ waiting in the wings, but we suppose that a train wasn’t the best mode of transport off the island…

(L to R) Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance and Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in “Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.
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Other Movies Similar to ‘Plane:’
- ‘Flightplan‘ (2005)
- ‘Snakes on a Plane‘ (2006)
- ‘Flight‘ (2012)
- ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)
- ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)
- ‘Sully‘ (2016)
- ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)
Buy Tickets: ‘Plane’ Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘Plane’ On Amazon

‘Plane’ was written by Charles Cumming and J.P. Davis, directed by Jean-Francois Richet, and stars Gerard Butler, Mike Colter and Tony Goldwyn. The movie was produced by Di Bonaventura Pictures, G-BASE, and Lionsgate, and was released in theaters on January 13th, 2023.
February 13, 2023
Movie Review: ‘Plane’

(L to R) Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare and Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

‘Plane,’ the new action-thriller from director Jean-François Richet (‘Assault on Precinct 13’), is scheduled to crash-land into theaters on January 13th.

Gerard Butler stars as commercial pilot Brodie Torrance, who is traveling on New Year’s Eve with a plane full of passengers, including FBI transport and accused murderer Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter).

But when the plane is forced to make an emergency landing, Torrance saves his passengers by landing on a remote island, only to find that it is inhabited by a dangerous group of rebels. When the passengers are taken hostage, Torrance and Gaspare must learn to trust each other and work together in order to rescue them and survive.

The result is a fun and entertaining action-adventure that has elements of ‘Con Air,’ ‘The Grey,’ ‘Speed,’ and even ‘Sully,’ and features a great onscreen duo in Butler and Colter.

Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

In some ways, Gerard Butler is one of the most reliable movie stars working today. He created a strong action franchise with the ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ trilogy, and had such success with one-off movies like ‘Law Abiding Citizen’ and ‘Den of Thieves’ that sequels are in the works for each. He’s also appeared in a string of successful action movies like ‘Geostorm,’ ‘Copshop,’ and ‘Greenland.’

With ‘Plane’ Butler adds another entertaining action movie to his resume and also continues to create believable “everyman” characters for the audience to relate to. In a world that is dominated by superhero movies, it’s nice to see a fillm about an “ordinary man in an extraordinary situation” that audiences can actually relate to. Butler has wisely shed the superhero persona that made him a household name with ‘300,’ for an “everyman” persona that he has played well in films like ‘Greenland’ and now ‘Plane.’

Mike Colter, who should be a much bigger star than he is, is probably best known for his work as the title character on Netflix’s Marvel series ‘Luke Cage,’ as well as the CBS series ‘Evil.’ Colter gives a strong performance as convict Louis Gaspare, and is a great partner for Butler. The two actors have a strong chemistry together, and I enjoyed the fact that they left Gaspare’s backstory a mystery, as it was not necessary and adds to the mystic of his character.

Director Jean-François Richet really packs the movie with incredible action sequences, including the crash landing that begins the film. But the action doesn’t stop there, as that is only the beginning and the movie features some great shoot-outs and fight scenes with both Butler and Colter. However, the film also features several quieter moments that allow the audience a better chance to understand these character’s emotions, thanks to a fairly smart script from screenwriters Charles Cumming and J.P. Davis.

Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

Veteran character actors Paul Ben-Victor and Tony Goldwyn make welcomed additions to the cast as the airline owner and his crisis manager, respectively. While Butler and Colter are obviously the leads, it certainly helped the integrity of the project to sprinkle in such talented and respected actors in supporting roles.

Actress Daniella Pineda, who plays flight attendant Bonnie, is fine in her role, but has limited screen time and could have been given more to do. The weakest point in the cast is probably the rebels. They do the most with what is given, but ultimately the villains were tragically underwritten. It works for a while, having the rebel forces’ true motivations a mystery to both the audience and the other characters, but once they are revealed, little is done to humanize them or make their point of view clear.

In the end, director Jean-François Richet delivers a fun and entertaining action movie that combines elements we’ve seen before but does it in a new and fresh way. Gerard Butler continues his success at turning otherwise “B-Movies” into entertaining theatrical experiences, with some help from Mike Colter’s strong performance and the two actors great onscreen chemistry together.

‘Plane’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

(L to R) Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance and Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in “Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.
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January 13, 2023
‘Plane’ Exclusive Interview: Gerard Butler and Mike Colter

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Opening in theaters on January 13th is the new action-thriller ‘Plane,’ which was directed by Jean-François Richet (‘Assault on Precinct 13’).

The film stars Gerard Butler (‘300,’ ‘Olympus Has Fallen,’ ‘Den of Thieves‘) as commercial pilot Brodie Torrance, who saves his passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island, only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning.

When the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare (‘Luke Cage’s Mike Colter), an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. Now, Torrance and Gaspare must learn to trust each other and work together in order to rescue the passengers and survive.

In addition to Butler and Colter, the movie also features Yoson An, Daniella Pineda, Kelly Gale, Paul Ben-Victor, and Tony Goldwyn.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Gerard Butler and Mike Colter about their work on ‘Plane,’ what audiences can expect from the new movie, why Butler wanted to play this role, and the bond that is formed between his and Colter’s characters.

(L to R) Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance and Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in “Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Gerard Butler and Mike Colter about ‘Plane.’

Moviefone: To begin with, what would you both say to audiences getting ready to watch this movie to prepare them for the theatrical experience they are about to have?

Mike Colter: Listen, ‘Plane’ is a movie that is for everybody. Everybody is going to enjoy this film because this film, it checks all the boxes. It’s a thriller, it’s passionate, and it’s action. It’s a character-driven plot that you can’t get away from because we basically connect and we’re from opposite sides of the spectrum. What people are going to respond to are things that they’ve experienced in their life, but it’s a thrill ride and you just got to watch it from beginning to end, and it’s going to be fast so enjoy.

Gerard Butler: I feel like we have the survival, we have the drama, and we have the thriller. It really has so much going on. You’re dealing with characters that aren’t superheroes, they’re characters that you can get behind. They’re the underdogs.

One, we have what I think is one of the most thrilling action sequences on the plane as we go through this storm, that we are not letting anybody off the hook. You’re in it till the end and it’s terrifying. It’s just white knuckle, and then that’s the start of the movie. Once we land, we’re in a whole new world of Hell. But it’s such a fascinating dynamic between the passengers, how do you control them?

Then me as a captain who’s pretty square, big heart, but I have to rely on essentially an accused murderer, who I know is far better in this environment than I am. It leads to a really, I think, memorable relationship in an action movie between these two guys.

(L to R) Daniella Pineda as Bonnie Lane, Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance, and Yoson An as Samuel Dele in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

MF: Gerard, Brodie Torrance is an ordinary guy thrown into an extraordinary circumstance. Can you talk about that and the challenges of playing a character like that?

GB: For me, it was a chance for me to play a character who’s, in a lot of ways, more like me as a person. He’s an everyman. This morning that he wakes up, he’s kind of a sad guy. He lost his wife, and he’s trying to bond with his daughter. He thinks he’s flying on New Year’s Eve, and he’s going to get some precious time because things haven’t been going very well in his career. He is flying for an economy airline on the other side of the world. A few hours later he realizes that he’s in a position where these next few hours will define his whole life, and he didn’t even know what it was going to pull out of him.

How far does a sense of duty take you that you owe to your passengers or the people around you? He clearly takes that to the extreme, but as I say, there’s no perfection in these characters. Is he taking them down the wrong path? Am I going to get them all killed? A lot of the time, I’m gung-ho and this man here’s like, “Yeah, that’s cool, but there’s other ways to go about this.” That’s another fascinating thing about our dynamic.

Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

MF: Finally, Mike, Louis Gaspare seems uniquely qualified for the situation he finds himself in. Can you talk about that and the partnership that he forms with Brodie?

MC: It’s really interesting because we never really lay out exactly all of his skills, or anything like that. But it’s interesting because within the context of the two characters, Brodie is more gung-ho, as Gerard said. I’m kind of pulling him back. He’s got all the heart, and he’s got all the determination. I’m sort of assessing things, trying to figure out how to survive and how to make sure we don’t do too much and keep us alive. We’re trying to live to fight another day.

So, I think his character inspires my character to do things that he normally wouldn’t do for other people because he’s never had to. In this situation, he’s an accused murderer. If anything, he’s about self-preservation. But I think he just sees the passion and the humanity in Brodie. That rubs off on him and that creates this bond between the two of them. Somehow you just see them joined at the hip for a bit and it’s a great thing to see.

(L to R) Gerard Butler and Mike Colter star in “Plane.’
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January 10, 2023