Passengers
Passengers

Movie spotlight

Passengers

1990
Movie
86 min
Dutch

A bus driver on a regular route in the 'polder' moves into a new house with his wife. They are the first inhabitants of a new estate. At the same time, a homeless man and an woman movie into the driver's bus.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes40%
Google Users60%
Director: Richard BenjaminGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A charming but awkward British man travels to Los Angeles to visit his estranged father, only to discover that his father has died. While dealing with his grief and navigating his complicated relationship with his father's new girlfriend, he unexpectedly falls for a wise-cracking waitress who works at the diner across the street. Their budding romance is tested by his impending return to England and the secrets they both hold.

Critical Reception

Passengers received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding the plot predictable and the humor uneven. While John Candy's performance was often praised for its sincerity, the film struggled to balance its dramatic and comedic elements effectively. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many finding it a forgettable entry in Candy's filmography.

What Reviewers Say

  • John Candy's natural charisma shines through, elevating the film beyond its somewhat predictable script.

  • The romantic subplot feels underdeveloped and lacks genuine chemistry.

  • The film attempts to blend comedy and drama but doesn't quite succeed, resulting in a tonal imbalance.

Google audience: Audience reviews suggest that while John Candy's performance is a highlight, the film's storyline is often seen as cliché and not particularly engaging. Some viewers appreciated the moments of warmth and humor, but many felt it was a missed opportunity.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was originally conceived with a different title, "The American Way," before being changed to "Passengers."

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