If one were to simply trust the opinions of those paid to critique films, then the new science fiction film Passengers is one to easily write off. Save your money. Don’t waste valuable time. It is slow, cliched, filled with convenient plot elements, doesn’t know what type of film it wants to be, unoriginal, flawed…these and more criticisms abound and taking a step back from the film I myself could cite examples to fit each complaint. I will let you in on a secret: many of the films that critics adore and the films that the public adores (which are not always the same films) can be justifiably labeled with the same criticisms.

I don’t say this to give a pass to those areas where the writers of Passengers could have tried a bit harder. What I am saying is that not every science fiction film can be or should be Arrival. And as much as I praise that film, I personally do not want every science fiction film, nor every film in general, to strive to be original or to have some deep, contemplative message.

Sometimes I want just what Passengers gave me, a love story, replete with the story beats one expects from celluloid romance with the added bonus of some of the cool science fictional bells and whistles that makes a guy like me want to lay aside what I doubt is possible and simply believe once again that humanity can launch itself successfully among the stars.

While my discussion below essentially pulls what we see in the trailers, I want to put a spoiler-warning on this one paragraph following this statement. If you are concerned at all, just skip the next paragraph and read on.

Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) is on a one hundred and twenty year journey to a new colony world when his hibernation pod fails and he is awakened far earlier than the ship’s designers had planned. What is initially disorienting and then exciting becomes a nightmare when Preston realizes the truth that he is the only human awake on this vessel with no chance of going back into stasis. With the only companion being an android bartender who is an approximation of a human being, Preston is forced to try to come to terms with a life spent in complete isolation. And then comes Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence).

I can see why some critics would complain the film is slow. It mostly stars just two people and much of the first half of the film exists to establish just how lonely and isolating space can be, especially when you are alone and believe you will be alone for the rest of your life. After circumstances change and Preston is joined by Lane, the film concentrates on their relationship and builds towards the third act, which is where much of the action and tension of the film is realized.

It is admittedly a personal preference, but I enjoy stories about isolation. Maybe it appeals to the introvert in me, but I find the idea of being stranded alone both fascinating and horrifying in a way that sets my imagination moving. Whether is is the old Twilight Zone episode, “Time Enough at Last” where Burgess Meredith finds himself the last living man on Earth, or several short stories I’ve read over the years, or the recent novel and film adaptation, The Martian, I am intrigued by the examination of what would happen to a person who found themselves in those circumstances.

Passengers then takes that the next step and introduces the idea of being a couple, all alone but for one another, and what that might be like. The writers introduce a couple of interesting plot elements that I will not spoil here that engage you as a viewer and are certainly thought-provoking. But what really makes Passengers work, and what many critics do agree on, is the chemistry between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. They inhabit these characters with such ease that you are immediately drawn to them. You want to see them succeed. You want them to be happy. You empathize with their struggles. You care about what happens to them.

I could pick apart some of the ideas that would be illogical for a ship of the size and scope of the one these characters find themselves on. Somewhat easily overlooked is the idea that is almost brushed aside that this is not the first of these colony missions, but the most recent of many, many successful journeys. You can see a Titanic-inspired hubris in the various decisions made on this ship that complicate the situation in which Jim Preston finds himself.

I could decry the story elements that turned out as I guessed they would. But I would be doing so simply to justify a reputation that does not exist. I am not a film or book critic. I am a fan with opinions who likes to share those opinions in writing. I want to be entertained. I want to believe the world I see on screen and I want to care about the characters. Passengers ticked all those boxes for me.

It had beautiful special effects, I loved the design of the ship, I thought the ending was very satisfying and I enjoyed all the moments that led up to it.

I have no doubt that fans of Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence will enjoy them in these roles. I also believe the average science fiction fan will find things to like in this film. To those who find it lacking, or are passionately disappointed in the finished product, I have no fault to find. You can certainly bring evidence to support your opinion.

Personally I look forward to adding Passengers to my film collection in 2017 and can imagine watching it many times in the years to come.

If you have seen the film and want to talk spoilers in the comments, please place the SPOILERS label at the start of your comment and let’s have at it. I am interested in your opinions, whatever they may be.