‘Passengers’ review, starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence

Jim (Chris Pratt) and Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence) walk thru the Hibernation Bay on date night in Columbia Pictures’ “Passengers”

A man and a woman wake up from deep hibernation 90 years too early on the way to colonizing a new planet. Romance, action, and chaos ensue as the spaceship begins to breakdown, the craft itself practically becoming an active, dangerous character in the film. The passengers are played by two of the biggest names in Hollywood who both have a penchant for making people laugh—what more could a fan ask for?

Written by Jon Spaihts (“Doctor Strange”) and directed by Morten Tyldum (“The Imitation Game”), “Passengers” demonstrates true understanding of pacing, suspense, dramatic buildup and storytelling irony. For me, a critic with a sentimental heart, “Passengers” was a rollercoaster of emotions, and boredom is never one of them. Though the plot is fairly predictable, the film is riveting nonetheless thanks to the chemistry between Pratt and Lawrence—they love, fight, hate, rage, laugh, play sports, dine at five-star restaurants, and engage in epic dance battles (sound familiar?). Based on the trailers, I did not expect the movie to be as funny as it is, which was a pleasant surprise (then again, we’re working with two of the funniest people in the business).

Though the film doesn’t pose any relatively deep philosophical questions (except, what would YOU do if you woke up 90 years early?), it’ll hopefully spark an interest in science, even though what is depicted is further-fetched than the likes of “The Martian” and “Gravity.” When you enter the theater for “Passengers,” you’re not there to discuss the meaning of life, you’re here to converse with androids, witness water in zero gravity, and soar through space.

With a beautiful score and straightforward, fun storyline, the film is ultimately a modern space opera in the best way possible.

“Passengers” hits theaters Wednesday, Dec. 21!

Courtesy of “Passengers”

Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt star in Columbia Pictures’ “Passengers”