Executive Decision (1996)

Introduction
Executive Decision, released in 1996, is an action-thriller film directed by Stuart Baird. The movie stars Kurt Russell, Steven Seagal, Halle Berry, John Leguizamo, and a lot more. The story focuses on a group of military operatives trying to stop a terrorist on board a hijacked commercial aircraft.

Plot
The movie begins with a raid by the U.S. Army Special Forces on a terrorist hideout, where their leader, Nagi Hassan (David Suchet), directly escapes. The objective is led by Lieutenant Colonel Austin Travis (Steven Seagal), who works for a secret military system that handles vital circumstances.

Following the stopped working mission, intelligence reports show that Hassan has pirated Oceanic Airlines Flight 343. He threatens to kill one guest every half-hour till his needs are fulfilled. His objective is to force the U.S. Government to launch the dangerous terrorist El Sayed Jaffa, who is presently in U.S. custody. Moreover, Hassan has a bomb on board the aircraft which is set to detonate instantly if there is any attempt to board the airplane or if it descends below 10,000 feet.

With an innocent passenger eliminated, President of the United States Harry Ross (J.T. Walsh), that makes Travis assemble an unique group to board the airplane. This team includes Dr. David Grant (Kurt Russell), an intelligence expert and terrorism professional, and additional task forces expert in different fields to handle the bomb and captive circumstance.

Operation on Board the Flight
In order to board the pirated aircraft without detection, the Special Forces utilize a specialized aircraft called the Remora, which connects itself to the target plane's fuselage. The team effectively boards the hijacked aircraft, but throughout the boarding procedure, Travis is killed, and Grant is required to organize the objective.

On board the aircraft, the elite group led by Grant encounters various problems, such as the discovery of a concealed traveler, Jean-Paul Demou (Yorgo Voyagis), who turns out to be the disguised hijacker's bombmaker. Grant and his team maintain secrecy, working closely with the flight attendant, Jean (Halle Berry), who assists them navigate and communicate with the ground.

Discovery of the True Target
While the plane is expected to land at Washington Dulles International Airport, Grant discovers the genuine target of the terrorists - the United States Eastern Seaboard. Utilizing a deadly nerve gas called "DCZ", they intend on killing innocent civilians in great deals. The last-minute revelation forces Grant and his team to improvise.

Climactic Battle
As the hijackers make their method to their last destination, it's a race against time for Grant and his group to stop them. After a series of intense battles and gripping minutes, they manage to regain control of the airplane with the aid of Jean. The nerve gas bomb is ejected from the airplane prior to detonation by explosives skilled Sergeant "Cappy" Matheny (Joe Morton). The hijackers are reduced the effects of, and the day is saved.

However, the plane is heavily harmed, and Grant has to land the aircraft at a small airport. With the assistance of Jean, who has some flight training, they make a daring emergency situation landing, and the guests are saved.

Conclusion
Executive Decision is a high-stakes action thriller that keeps audiences at the edge of their seats. With nail-biting circumstances and extreme performances by the skilled cast, this film stays a timeless example of its genre. The mix of thriller, action, and intrigue make Executive Decision an exhilarating watch, even decades after its release.

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