Inventive plot twists are the highlight of this action-thriller from screenwriter brothers Jim Thomas and John Thomas of Predator and longtime film editor-turned-director Stuart Baird. A running time that stretches on far too long for such thin material, wooden acting from some of the performers (notably Marla Maples in her screen debut), and occasionally laughable dialogue keep the film from achieving must-see status. Baird and his scribes have created a serviceable and tense popcorn picture, though, one likely to be enjoyed by the lowest common denominator at which it's squarely aimed. Though Steven Seagal leaves something to be desired as a performer as per usual, his is stunt casting. The rest of the cast is perfectly acceptable, led by Kurt Russell in the role that James Spader played opposite him in Stargate, a film that Executive Decision resembles to no small extent. Though some of the story developments don't hold much logical water, this is a film that crackles along on its own loopy energy, to be enjoyed with brain securely switched in the "off" position.