Executive Decision

Kurt Russell's got a big problem. He's onboard a terrorist-controlled passenger plane that's bound for Washington, D.C. with enough nerve gas to wipe out every last congressional aide and lobbyist in the area. Granted, that doesn't elicit a whole lot of audience sympathy, what makes Executive Decision work is pure and simple: it's a fun ride. As David Grant, an intelligence agent who's more of a desk jockey than a Bond-type, Russell heads up a crack team of experts who not only have to defuse the bomb, take out the terrorist team, and save the passengers, they also have to remain hidden in the upper and lower reaches of the plane. The ending is the biggest stretcher I've seen since Shaquille O'Neal went out with an ankle injury, but no matter. It's a popcorn movie, and a pretty darn good one, at that. Recommended. (R. Pitman)