Is This Is a Hijack Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, This Is a Hijack is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
This Is a Hijack Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1973, This Is a Hijack emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A man feels obligated to hijack the plane his boss is on after he has gambled himself into overwhelming debt. Unlike standard genre fare, This Is a Hijack attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Barry Pollack, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and This Is a Hijack features a noteworthy lineup led by Adam Roarke. Supported by the likes of Neville Brand and Jay Robinson, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Adam Roarke, Neville Brand, Jay Robinson manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1973 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama, Crime, Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, This Is a Hijack is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of This Is a Hijack follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 90 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, This Is a Hijack resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.6/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, This Is a Hijack is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. A man feels obligated to hijack the plane his boss is on after he has gambled himself into overwhelming debt.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of This Is a Hijack (1973) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.6/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama, Crime, Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Adam Roarke, Neville Brand, Jay Robinson or the visual majesty of its technical execution, This Is a Hijack is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1973. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch This Is a Hijack Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
This Is a Hijack is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, This Is a Hijack stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1973 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Is a Hijack movie hit or flop?
This Is a Hijack has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is This Is a Hijack worth watching?
This Is a Hijack is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Crime, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch This Is a Hijack online?
This Is a Hijack is currently available for streaming on Shout! Factory Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Shout! Factory Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Synopsis
A man feels obligated to hijack the plane his boss is on after he has gambled himself into overwhelming debt.