7500
(Amazon Studios)
By Lucas Allen
Back before 9/11, there was a time when films like “Die Hard,” “Under Siege” and “Speed,” all about a lone man’s battle against domestic terrorism, were considered escapist entertainment. You may not be able to find that kind of escapist fun nowadays, but that doesn’t stop first-time German director Patrick Vollrath from trying with his thriller “7500.” But don’t expect any explosions or one-liners, since this is still a post-9/11 film dealing with the subject in a dramatic and intense way.
One rainy night, American pilot Tobias (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is on a routine flight from Berlin to Paris. While his Captain, Lutzmann, (Carlo Kitzlinger) is making the preparations, the co-pilot’s stewardess girlfriend Gokce (Aylin Tezel) is more worried about their toddler son and his bright future. When the plane takes off, it seems like another smooth flight. But then a small group of Muslim terrorists try to storm the cockpit, trying to take control of the plane. With quick thinking, Tobias manages to block the doorway from them, but not without sustaining an arm injury.
Lutzmann, however, is fatally wounded during the fight, leaving the co-pilot alone to try to control the plane before attempting an emergency landing. The hijackers are determined to get through the door, while threatening the other passengers. One of the hijackers is a young student, Vedat (Omid Memar), whom Tobias tries to convince to grow a conscience and break free of the terror. But the misguided youth is not sure whether or not to do the right thing when the other evildoers reveal their ultimate motive.
All of the movie’s major scenes take place within the confines of the airplane’s cockpit. Throughout the film’s 90-minute runtime, we’re experiencing what the main character sees and feel the horrific terror while it’s all happening. Though the movie is fiction, it still feels like it can happen anywhere which makes it all the scarier. After this movie, expect airport security become extremely tighter.
Rather than simply be all about action, the movie focus more on character interaction between Tobias and Vedat. Things quiet down for the third act, but the intensity never lets up as we watch the young man go through a conflict of emotions unsure of how to get out of it. These two men become the film’s emotional heart filled with sadness and despair. In this era of giant-size, action-packed epics, it’s nice to see something simple yet effective to come our way.
With a tiny cast, the movie is put upon the shoulders of its main star Gordon-Levitt. His performance is both solid and believable, you feel for his character going through such a terrifying experience. Special mention goes to young Memar despite going over-the-top in some scenes he does deliver a fine portrayal of a panicked and terrified young man not knowing what to do in his dilemma. If you can take it, “7500” is an intense ride of terror with some nice performances to boot. For those who have Prime Video, it’s both worth watching and worth finding something different to try out.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for violence/terror and language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
