Synopsis

After winning a settlement from a major airline, Nashawn Wade launches his own carrier, N.W.A. Airlines, promising passengers a more relaxed and entertaining flying experience. The maiden flight quickly becomes chaotic when an eccentric crew, celebrity guests, unruly travelers, and unexpected mechanical problems collide. Nashawn must keep the airline in the air while trying to prove his unconventional business can succeed.

Factoids & Trivia

• Soul Plane was released in the United States on May 28, 2004, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Made on an estimated $16 million budget, it earned approximately $14.8 million worldwide.

• Air Hollywood won a 2003 bid to build a custom airplane set for the production. The Los Angeles facility later became known for creating aircraft interiors and airport environments for film and television.

• The film's dog sequence used two miniature pinschers and a full-grown Doberman. Some shots combined a real dog with a stuffed substitute, while the flying effect was created with a green screen, a harness, a cable, and post-production editing.

• The theatrical cut runs approximately 86 minutes. An unrated home-video version adds nearly five and a half minutes, including expanded material involving the business-class area and several character scenes.

• RZA, also known as The RZA, provided the film's music. The soundtrack also draws heavily on hip-hop and R&B, matching the airline's deliberately music-driven identity.

• Kevin Hart later said that widespread bootlegging before the theatrical release contributed to the film's disappointing box-office performance. He also credited the movie with helping increase his visibility and giving him opportunities to tour nationally.