Synopsis
Terrorists hijack a 747 inbound to Washington D.C., demanding the release of their imprisoned leader. Intelligence expert David Grant (Kurt Russell) suspects another reason and he is soon the reluctant member of a special assault team that is assigned to intercept the plane and hijackers.
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Cast
- Kurt RussellDavid Grant
- Steven SeagalLt. Colonel Austin Travis
- Halle BerryJean
- John LeguizamoRat
- Oliver PlattCahill
- Joe MortonCappy
- David SuchetNagi Hassan
- BD WongLouie
- Len CariouSecretary of Defense Charles White
- Whip HubleyBaker
Recommendations
- 80
Los Angeles Times
Everything about Executive Decision is familiar except how crisply its conventional story is executed. Since most action thrillers think blowing things up is enough to attract an audience, it's a nice surprise to come across a savvy piece of work that relies on suspense and is as professional as the elite anti-terrorist unit it celebrates. - 80
Variety
Ultimately, it’s the film’s sly irony that sets it a notch above similar actioners. The Thomas brothers’ script repeatedly draws us down dead-end alleys only to reverse expectations and top white-knuckle situations with thrilling conclusions. - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
It's the kind of thriller where it's fun to chortle over the plot--a movie for people who are sophisticated enough to know how shameless the film is, but fun-loving enough to enjoy its excesses and manic zeal. - 75
Washington Post
Writers Jim and John Thomas and first-time director Stuart Baird have come up with a surprisingly deft variation on the airplane hijack genre, one that relies on subterfuge and suspense rather than explosives and body counts even though Steven Seagal is in it. - 70
Time Out
The escalating tension largely compensates for the lack of character involvement, and the climax will have you reaching for your safety belt. - 70
The New York Times
A good, taut movie for red-meat action audiences, but it's not one you will be seeing on an airliner. Not ever. - 70
Washington Post
If you're looking for satisfying junk food, Executive Decision is exactly the carryout you've been craving. This hijacking suspense drama steals shamelessly from Tom Clancy's kitchen, but it's tautly scripted, loaded with tension and interspersed with great comic relief. - 60
Empire
The acting is all first base, the script a laughable stream of gung ho-isms, the action merely solid and the effects indifferent. Yet, you still stroll out with a grin a mile wide.
