Speed 2: Cruise Control

Right now you can watch Speed 2: Cruise Control in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the UK on Disney Plus — and it earns its twists rather than manufacturing them. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 1,828 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Sandra Bullock's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Disney Plus and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Speed 2: Cruise Control earns its spot. At its heart, Speed 2: Cruise Control understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. A disgruntled former employee hijacks the Seabourn Legend cruise liner. Set on a fixed course, without any means of communication and at the mercy of the hijacker, it's up to the one cop on vacation, and his soon to be fiancé (hopefully) Annie, to regain control of it before it kills the passengers and causes an environmental disaster. Insurmountable and daunting tasks await them on their perilous journey throughout the ship trying to fend off the hijacker and save the passengers. Sandra Bullock and Jason Patric lead a cast that gives the tension real weight. It hit screens in 1997. The plot mechanics of Speed 2: Cruise Control never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, Speed 2: Cruise Control delivers. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Sandra Bullock anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.