I’m a big fan of one-location, tightly enclosed thrillers—the kind that can really amplify the suspense if the atmosphere is right. I also enjoy films set on airplanes, like *Non-Stop* and the classic *Snakes on a Plane*. *7500* spends nearly its entire running time inside an airplane cockpit, aiming for a more realistic portrayal of what pilots experience. It combines two things I appreciate in movies, which makes it an interesting type of film. But is it actually good? The story itself doesn't offer anything particularly original. While I appreciated that it avoids the over-the-top action sometimes seen in this kind of movie—action that can be far too exaggerated and unrealistic—the viewer only sees events through Tobias’s perspective, along with what appears on his cockpit screen and audio. So, don’t go in expecting a fast-paced adventure because *7500* isn't that; it’s an unusual way of telling a story we’ve heard many times before. The strongest part of the film is what I was most looking forward to: the atmosphere. First-time writer-director Patrick Vollrath manages to create enough tension and suspense to hold viewers for at least the first hour. Tobias faces incredibly difficult moral choices, where there's no clear right answer, and every decision has serious consequences. Watching these events unfold is the highlight of the movie, made even better by the feeling of being trapped inside that small cockpit. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who hasn’t had a leading role since *Don Jon* in 2013, gives one of his best performances. He really carries the film and keeps it moving forward. Without his convincing emotional portrayal, *7500* would likely fall apart. Omid Memar is also quite good as Vedat, although I thought he occasionally went a bit too far with his dialogue. The rest of the cast isn’t particularly memorable, given that this is very much a film centered on one character. Technically, it's different from typical hijacking movies. In addition to the exclusive cockpit viewpoint, it unfolds in something close to real-time; even though there are standard editing cuts, the ninety minutes feel like ninety minutes. There weren’t any extremely long takes that I noticed, but the editing is so smooth that it creates a sense of realism. Despite these qualities, *7500* struggles to maintain its momentum. The pilot's perspective isn't captivating enough for an entire movie, and the main character lacks depth. Tobias’s backstory is as generic as it could be, which makes it hard to become invested in his fate. The plot follows a predictable path with some supposedly shocking moments that are obvious from early on, lessening their impact. It has the potential for suspense, but ultimately the screenplay doesn't explore things deeply enough. Furthermore, the use of “Islamic terrorists” as a trope really undermines Patrick Vollrath’s intentions. Nearly two decades have passed since 9/11; there was no need to have the hijackers repeatedly shouting "Allahu Akbar." The biggest flaw in *7500* isn't the lack of character development, but the superficial and stereotypical portrayal of the antagonists. I hope it doesn’t generate online criticism because it’s not a terrible movie. Overall, *7500* needs Joseph Gordon-Levitt to keep it afloat, but it still experiences too many problems. Patrick Vollrath delivers an unconventional take on the genre by showing the hijacking exclusively from the pilot's point of view. The claustrophobic and tense atmosphere of the cockpit allows for some genuinely suspenseful scenes, but a lack of character development diminishes what could have been a more emotionally compelling story about the protagonist’s moral dilemmas. Despite the impressive technical effort, the narrative still falls into predictable patterns with familiar plot elements, which reduces its overall appeal. The stereotypical portrayal of the hijackers is also a significant drawback. I might recommend it to those seeking an airplane thriller, but don't expect a masterpiece. Rating: C

Source on TMDB