On a Wing and a Prayer
Performance & Direction: On a Wing and a Prayer Review
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is On a Wing and a Prayer (2023) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and On a Wing and a Prayer features a noteworthy lineup led by Dennis Quaid . Supported by the likes of Heather Graham and Jesse Metcalfe , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: On a Wing and a Prayer
Quick Plot Summary: On a Wing and a Prayer is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. After their pilot dies unexpectedly mid-flight, passenger Doug White must safely land a plane and save his entire family from insurmountable danger. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: On a Wing and a Prayer
Ending Breakdown: On a Wing and a Prayer attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of On a Wing and a Prayer reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch On a Wing and a Prayer?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: On a Wing and a Prayer
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
On a Wing and a Prayer Budget
The estimated production budget for On a Wing and a Prayer is $18.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: On a Wing and a Prayer
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Where to Watch On a Wing and a Prayer Online?
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Apple TV StoreOn a Wing and a Prayer Parents Guide & Age Rating
2023 AdvisoryWondering about On a Wing and a Prayer age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of On a Wing and a Prayer is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, On a Wing and a Prayer is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2023 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is On a Wing and a Prayer worth watching?
On a Wing and a Prayer is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find On a Wing and a Prayer parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for On a Wing and a Prayer identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of On a Wing and a Prayer?
The total duration of On a Wing and a Prayer is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.









