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'Altitude' Is A Dolph Lundgren Movie

Updated on July 14, 2023
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I will watch the movies that people say aren't that great. How do you feel about them?

What’s it About?

This film, starring Dolph Lungren and Denise Richards opens with a hostage negotiation. The hostage maker in this scenario comes complete with an automatic weapon in an air control tower and hostages adorn the floor.

Gretchen is the hostage negotiator and after peace is restored she gets a smack on the hand for going against her boss. She is ordered to catch a plane back to Washington to receive her proper spanking.

Of course, it would be silly to be in just one dangerous situation in the course of a day. And it would also be silly to think that getting an upgrade is as simple as being placed somewhere you aren't happy. Once safely in her upgraded business class seating, the guy next to her whispers "The plane's being hijacked."

Trailer for Altitude with Denise Richards and Dolph Lungren

Quick Movie Info

  • Title: Altitude
  • Director: Alex Merkin
  • Writer: Jesse Mittelstadt
  • Date of Release: April, 2017, limited release in theatres.
  • Went to DVD two months later.
  • Genre: Action/Thriller USA

Who's in it?

  • Denise Richards: How can you not know her? Somehow she married Charlie Sheen.
  • Dolph Lundgren: To be honest, I’ve only seen him star in movies I didn’t like but every action movie needs a tough guy. (In case you didn't know, he‘s in Rocky.)
  • Greer Grammer: From the comedy series Awkward.
  • Jordi Vilasuso: From The Invitation, Jordi was in that great little horror film.

Denise Richards starts the movie like a badass FBI agent. If only she had stayed that way during the entire movie
Denise Richards starts the movie like a badass FBI agent. If only she had stayed that way during the entire movie | Source

My Thoughts on Altitude

The storyline in the Altitude movie is reminiscent of swiss cheese, with holes that leave much to be desired. Moreover, the characters fail to inspire any likability. Take, for instance, Gretchen (played by Richards), who enters the film with what appears to be a keen understanding of the criminal psyche. Her FBI agent skills are finely tuned, allowing her to intuitively sense that showing compassion towards a man causing trouble at the airport will serve her well. However, mere moments later, a man in business class pleads for her assistance, even offering her monetary compensation out of desperation. Rather than showing empathy, Gretchen responds with disdainful laughter. It seems her criminal radar only operates on solid ground.

When the action commences, the villains reminded me of the type you see with outrageously enormous fake mustaches and are so blatantly evident that you could easily accuse some of them of donning the most absurdly counterfeit wig you'll ever lay your eyes upon. And as if that weren't enough, these audacious criminals, cunningly posing as airline staff, don't even bother attempting to blend in during their so-called service. They conspicuously stand out, fully aware of their crucial role in orchestrating the hijacking of the plane

Sadie goes about drugging the passenger's beverages. If it were me getting yelled at for refusing a drink, I'd be frankly scared of touching anything on offer after hearing this exchange;

Sadie "would you like a drink sir?"

Air Marshall "No thanks"

Sadie "Are you sure?"

Air Marshall "No, I'm fine"

At this point her voice is almost raised

Sadie "I'm not coming around again, can I get you a water, wine, anything!!"

Air Marshall "What? oh, a ginger Ale"

Sadie "great... here you go"

Not suss at all! It might be said that a conniving cackle would not have been out-of-place here. Or perhaps they should have put a moustache on her instead of a wig.

What is Altitude Rated?

This movie seems to have some intense violence and a fair amount of strong language, which contribute to its R rating. Despite a few instances of profanity and graphic scenes, some might argue that the level of violent action falls short of what is typically associated with an R rating. Critics have pointed out that the character played by Dolph lacks significant involvement in intense fights throughout the entirety of the film, making it questionable whether the movie truly warrants a restricted audience.

It seems like this movie presents a challenging situation where Sadie, a small-statured character, takes on adversaries much larger than her, all while dealing with the frustration of locating individuals on the plane. The storyline takes an unexpected turn as a game of hide-and-seek unfolds, and some passengers choose to hide by crouching down out of sight. As someone who can relate to the difficulties of being petite on an aircraft, I can understand the challenges faced by the protagonist.

However, it is worth noting that the movie's violent content includes a few instances of foul language, a stabbing with a high heel shoe, and a neck snap. Despite these moments, some viewers might argue that the overall level of violent action falls short of what typically warrants an R rating. Additionally, Dolph's character, Sharpe, seems to have minimal involvement and lacks compelling fight scenes throughout the film, which might be seen as insufficient to justify a limited audience rating.

Somehow during all this chaos, filled with hiding, neck-snapping, and heel-stabbing, the character Terry (portrayed by either Kirk Barker or Hugh Grant, it's hard to tell these days) manages to find a moment to cop a feel with Gretchen. And if that wasn't enough, he then goes on to smooch his ex-girlfriend who is actively trying to take his life. Talk about a complicated situation! It just goes to show that mixing work with past relationships can lead to some intense and unexpected consequences. Stay tuned to find out how Terry manages to navigate this tangled web of emotions and danger.

It all made me cringe.

If you're looking for a single location action film to watch, give this one a big pass and see one of the films listed below instead.

I give Altitude 1 lady with an air mask when not everyone needs them out of 5.

Excuse me, but is that Denise Richards?

— My fiance
Excuse me madam, is that a wig?
Excuse me madam, is that a wig? | Source

The Writers for Altitude, Jesse Mittelstadt and Alex Merkin

Both Jesse Mittelstadt and Alex Merkin the writer and director respectively, have worked together before. Famed for having made a short film into a full-length movie called Across the Hall which stars the late Brittany Murphy. The short film won many awards.

Why doesnt everyone need a mask? Do you have a hidden air-supply you are sniffing under your shirt?
Why doesnt everyone need a mask? Do you have a hidden air-supply you are sniffing under your shirt? | Source

Across the Hall from the writers of Altitude— starring the late Brittany Murphy

A rare scene where Dolph Lungren is actually standing up instead of just seeing the back of his head tring to fly a very very consistently bouncy plane.
A rare scene where Dolph Lungren is actually standing up instead of just seeing the back of his head tring to fly a very very consistently bouncy plane. | Source

Movies, set on-board a plane - you could watch, instead of this

- Flight (2012)

- Die Hard 2 (1990)

- Con Air (1997)

- Snakes on a Plane (2006)

- Passenger 57 (1992)

- Plane Dead (2007)

Any of these are far superior to Altitude.

if you want the same plot line – try Die Hard 2, Con Air and Passenger 57 and you will be ten times more satiated than if you watch Altitude.

Let's not forget that the movie Final Destination features a plane crash as well and I would watch that one hundred times over before watching this again.

This content reflects the personal opinions of the author. It is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and should not be substituted for impartial fact or advice in legal, political, or personal matters.

© 2017 Movie Whisperer

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