We've seen the one about crooks taking over the plane that's just transporting them to justice several times in recent years.

But this powerhouse of a film, full of the most explosive action imaginable, gives a whole new adrenalin rush to the old idea.

The worst criminals in America are being flown to a new super-secure prison.

'I hope this goes smoothly,' mutters one agent '... all those monsters on one plane.' Hah!

Caught in the middle of the ensuing carnage is Poe (a pumped-up Nicolas Cage, as an ultra-macho version of James Stewart), a paroled ex-soldier who works from within the plane to bring the escapees to justice.

Sensational editing will have you clenching your fists with tension, even though things get a shade too silly at the end.