REEL CRITIC: ‘Snakes’ is a movie with lots of bite

“Snakes on a Plane” is the most fun I’ve had at a movie all summer. That doesn’t mean everyone will enjoy it, but my friends and I had a blast.

Since the film is called “Snakes on a Plane,” I’m not going to get into the specifics of the plot. Let’s just say, there are snakes and a plane.

Samuel L. Jackson stars as detective Nelville Flynn, who must escort a witness from Hawaii to Los Angeles to testify against an Asian gang boss. Halfway to L.A., the simple task goes out of control as a plane full of snakes starts attacking the passengers and crew.

It’s a simple story and simply enjoyable. This is a fast-food style of filmmaking. New Line Cinema has given the people what they wanted but I’ve never seen a project polarize so many people in our crazy town.

Most pundits are putting this movie down without ever seeing it. That makes no sense to me. My audience absolutely loved the movie. The last time I heard this much applause during a film was when I saw Burt Reynolds in “Hooper” when I was a kid.

What makes “Snakes” so enjoyable is the acting. Ninety-five percent of the film is played straight and the campy feel of the film flows naturally. Jackson’s performance is perfect and he delivers lines like he’s gunning for an Oscar instead of deadly snakes.

“Snakes” is not for everyone and that should be fairly apparent by the title. Teenagers and college kids will enjoy it the most, and people who love “bad” movies. To be honest, I thought the film was going to be terrible because I read a “professional” critic’s review. I’m not sure what film she watched, but I don’t think she understood the humor or the point. The whole movie is a joke.

For a low-budget film, the soundtrack and special effects are quite impressive and there are many jump-in-your seat moments. Just like Indiana Jones, I hate snakes and I was squirming in my seat during numerous scenes featuring serpents.

I’m going to take a lot of heat from my intellectual friends for recommending “Snakes on a Plane,” but this film has a nice sarcastic bite. Maybe the studio’s marketing snake infected my better judgment with its poisonous promotion, but I couldn’t care less. I will not apologize. I loved this movie. Bring on the sequel and bring on the snakes.