Strengths:
1. Action Sequences: The film delivers well-executed action scenes, including intense combat sequences and a climactic showdown on an airplane. Wesley Snipes, as the former anti-terrorist expert John Cutter, showcases his impressive skills in hand-to-hand combat and martial arts.
2. Wesley Snipes' Performance: Snipes gives a charismatic performance as the resourceful and determined protagonist. He brings a cool, confident, and physically imposing presence to the role, making him a compelling hero to root for.
3. On-Board Setting: The film's setting primarily takes place on a commercial airliner, which provides a unique and claustrophobic backdrop. The confined space adds tension and intensifies the confrontations between Cutter and the hijackers.
Weaknesses:
1. Plot Formulaicity: The plot of "Passenger 57" follows a familiar formula of an action hero thwarting a terrorist threat on a plane. While it's entertaining, it doesn't offer much originality or surprises in its narrative structure.
2. Character Development: Apart from Cutter, the other characters are not particularly well-developed. The villains, led by the ruthless Charles Rane (Bruce Payne), are one-dimensional and lack depth or motivation beyond their evil intentions.
3. Dated Production: Some viewers might find the film's aesthetic and production values dated, especially when compared to more contemporary action movies. The visual effects, for instance, may appear less polished by today's standards.
Overall, "Passenger 57" is a fun and enjoyable action movie with solid performances, exciting action set pieces, and a decent story. While it may not be groundbreaking or particularly memorable, it can still provide a satisfying experience for fans of action cinema.