November 10, 1992 -- First there was ``Die Hard,'' a thriller about a gritty cop trapped in a skyscraper with a bunch of terrorists, then there was ``Die Hard II,'' which took place at an airport, then there was ``Under Siege,'' which was like Die Hard on a ship, now there's ``Passenger 57'' which is essentially Die Hard on a jet airliner. Hollywood loves to wear a formula to death.

Wesley Snipes (White Men Can't Jump, New Jack City) stars as a top security consultant for airlines who gets mixed up in an airplane hijacking with the most dangerous terrorist in the world.

The terrorist, Charles Rane, well-played by Bruce Payne is very nasty and clever. Snipes is the typical indestructible adversary (he can jump out of a speeding plane without being hurt).

Director Kevin Hooks keeps the energy level high. Writers David Loughery and Dan Gordon keep things interesting, with a lot of action on the ground as well as in the air. All of the minor characters are interesting too. Mark Irwin's photography is very good and the stunts and special effects are excellent.

The film is probably too violent for children, hence the ``R'' rating, but is O.K. for adults who just want some light entertainment. Just don't take it seriously. It rates a B.

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