When it comes to a Jennifer Lawerence film, it is hard to not look at it as an Oscar contender. Over the past few years, Lawerence has done nothing but embrace roles that ultimately lead her to a nomination. From her award-winning role in Silver Linings Playbook to American Hustle, and most recently 2016’s Joy, Lawrence has been center stage and has become one of Hollywood’s best leading ladies. With that being said, her latest film, Passengers, is a step away from the usual Oscar contender she is consistently a part of.

Photo: Columbia Pictures

Passengers tells the story of Jim Preston and Aurora Lane as they embark on a routine journey through space to a new home, a colony planet called Homestead II. However, they are awakened 90 years too early when their ship malfunctions. Jim and Aurora are now facing the realization that they will have to live the rest of their lives on board. Despite every luxury they could want on board, it’s no consolation for the devastation they feel knowing they are on the way to a new home they will never see.

Photo: Columbia Pictures

While the chemistry between Lawerence and Pratt is hard to ignore as they provide an engaging central presence in the film, even their chemistry isn’t enough to prevent an underwhelming reveal and conclusion. The issues within the film take full center in the first 20 minutes as the reveal seems out of place and would have fit better towards the third act once the audience truly cared about Jim, Aurora and their relationship.

Passengers biggest issue is its finale. During the “climactic events”, there was a lack of tension, as there was never really a sense of imminent danger nor could the audience feel Jim and Aurora’s emotions on what to do.

However, there is entertainment within Passengers. The film is made watchable by Pratt and Lawrence, whose charm and chemistry make the movie. It can now be expected that despite the difference in the quality of the earlier films I mentioned, Lawerence shining in her roles has become the norm. Along with Pratt and Lawerence, Michael Sheen adds a few nice touches as a bartender reminiscent of Lloyd in The Shining. It is difficult to watch scenes between Pratt and Sheen without bringing back memories of those scenes from Stanley Kubrick’s film.

Aided with gorgeous effects and score, Passengers while not living up to the expectations I set for it, is still an entertaining film that will surely garner crowds with the star power behind it this holiday season.

Reel Talk gives Passengers 2.5 Reels