A Simple Plan Movie Review (1998)

photo courtesy of mybroadwayvideo.info

Hello all, welcome to another Film Friday.

Have you ever created the perfect plan for something, but in order for a smooth execution it depended on all parties involved? Suppose you and two friends or family members are taking a nice, wintry stroll through the woods, minding your own business, when suddenly, you stumble upon a downed, snow-covered, abandoned single-engine plane. What would be your first reaction? Would you walk passed the plane, not thinking twice about it? Or, would you and your accomplices take a few moments to investigate? Who knows, there could still be people inside, even children; help may be needed.

Ok, lets say you and your buddies decide to investigate, look around, to see what you'll find. You shovel your way through with your hands and feet in order to release the wedged door. Opening the door invited a flock of screaming crows to come flying out, scaring the daylights out of you, and forcing all of you to the ground for cover. After the crow flock, one of you climb in to snoop, only to find the decaying body of the pilot, which lets you know that the plane has been there for quite awhile. The heart-pumping shock of finding the body is intensified by the discovery of a bag full of money.

Only you, your two friends, the dead pilot, and the crows know about the money. What’s the plan? Will you keep the money and split it amongst yourselves, taking the secret to your grave? Why not, it’s obvious no one has noticed the plane or what’s in it. Do you alert the authorities to the plane and the money, in hopes to get a reward? Just what will you do?

This is the question that will be answered in the 1998 film, A Simple Plan, starring Bill Paxton (as Hank), Bridget Fonda (Hank’s wife), Billy Bob Thornton (as Hank’s mentally limited brother Jacob), and Brent Briscoe (as Lou, a friend). Set during a brisk winter in Minnesota, the three friends come up with a plan that needs strict cohesion in order to work, but that doesn’t seem to happen. Gluttony, deception, paranoia and suspicion cause a strain on the friends, which could make any simple plan complicated; the plan takes on a life of its own. Imagine, the enormity of a secret such as this; covering your tracks and staying below “the radar” is key.

This movie, in my opinion is sure to entertain. There is not a dull moment as the plot intensifies with every scene, causing you to wonder what will happen next. Being a huge Thornton fan, I would argue that he did a wonderful job. As always, he became his character, making you believe that Jacob was a real person; this is not to take anything away from the performances of the other actors. Add this movie to your Netflix queue or get out your blockbuster card and rent it.

GRADE: B

Check out the trailer (IE users click here)