It’s hard to explain why Snakes on a Plane (sometimes referred to as “SOAP”) became such an internet phenomenon. The film could have passed as a direct-to-video flick had it not signed Samuel L. Jackson (although you can rent Snakes on a Train, which just released…). Back in April, the film’s trailer was released, and the response was out-of-this-world. Blogs, fan sites and t-shirts were created. Internet nerds went nuts. The studio responded accordingly. Originally targeted for a PG-13 rating, the cast returned to the set to add a few scenes and push the rating to an R, something that rarely happens in the movie industry these days (PG-13 = $$$, so quality is often sacrificed). Snakes on a Plane took over the world. After months of anticipation, did the Snakes live up to the hype? Hell yes. In fact, even though I had ridiculously high expectations, I still came out surprised at how much I loved SOAP. Pirates? Superman? X3? Please… this is the event film of the year.

The story is pretty bad, in a hilarious kind-of-way. The film starts off with Sean Jones (Nathan Phillips), a young fellow with a motorbike and a 24-case of Red Bull, trying to enjoy vacation in Hawaii, until he stumbles upon a notorious mobster, Eddie Kim, murdering an important attorney. Sean gets away, but it’s not long before Eddie Kim finds him and attempts to kill him. However, FBI agent Neville Flynn (Samuel L. Jackson) rescues him at the EXACT same moment Eddie Kim’s men are breaking into his room and saves him. Flynn convinces Sean to testify against Eddie Kim, so both hop on board Pacific Airlines flight 121, heading for L.A. Eddie Kim, knowing that he must kill the witness, loads the airplane with hundreds of...reptiles. Venomous…reptiles. That’s right, people… SNAKES ON A PLANE. The fun begins here.

SOAP is downright hilarious. You just can’t help but laugh, cheer, and clap at some of the death scenes in the film. You’ve gotta love director David R. Ellis (Final Destination 2, Cellular). The man creates some of the most entertaining films I’ve ever seen, and SOAP is no different. You have to decide who you’re going to root for in this film… Sam Jackson or the snakes. Because, as freaky as they are in this film, I’ll admit to clapping at quite a few of the earlier death scenes (specifically, one in the airplane lavatory). Any film that can get me THAT involved in a film is worth numerous viewings. There are a few scenes where you get to see the plane from the snake’s point-of-viewing. Those are a real treat. SNAKE VISION.

You’ve gotta love the cast and characters in Snakes on a Plane. Besides the obviously perfect casting of Samuel L. Jackson as the FBI agent (and his infamous line that’ll have you standing up and cheering), you’ve got an interesting array of passengers on board. You’ve got a mother and her baby, two young boys on their first flight alone, a stewardess on her last flight before become a lawyer, a rapper who’s being guarded by Kenan Thompson (yeah, from Kenan & Kel on Nickelodeon) of all people, a kickboxer (!), a couple returning back to L.A. from their honeymoon (with the man being afraid of flying), a few hot chicks, and more. Yep, Ellis has thrown every single cliché into Snakes on a Plane… and I love it! How can you not love the return of Kenan Thompson, you know? And, the main attraction… the snakes. These snakes aren’t just normal snakes. These are illegal, venomous snakes that know which wires turn off the cabin lights, smile before ripping your face apart, and know the best places to make you scream like a little girl.

There’s no false marketing here, people. Ellis and New Line deliver exactly what the title suggests – Snakes on a plane. It’s the perfect mixture of action, horror (no kidding – there’s a few scenes that’ll make you jump), and comedy to keep you fully entertained for the 1 hour and 45 minute running time. Go see Snakes on a Plane. It’ll be the best $8.00 you spend this year. I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in a theater in a long time. It’s a movie that must be experienced in a sold-out theater, or it’s just no fun.