8. Maj. Vic Deakins (Broken Arrow)
John Travolta is the airforce pilot who crashes a stealth bomber so he can steal the nuclear warheads and hold the army to ransom for $250m or else he gives America a taste of Nagasaki circa early August 1945. Problem one is that Deakins is just too darn likeable. Hes tough, witty and ever-so-slightly camper than a row of tents. Whats not to like? The second problem is his motivations for treason. Hes a highly decorated officer who has devoted his life to the service and protection of his country yet has been continually overlooked for promotion and has had to watch as wave after wave of advancements are made for political (and politically correct) reasons. We can all relate to such unfair treatment and understand his resentment. Okay, so such anger shouldnt lead to threatening to turn a nation into an irradiated wasteland, good only for three legged mutant fish-people born out of the nuclear winter, but the boo, hiss! factor that the audience should feel is completely nullified by the fact that the aggrieved party is the government. How can you feel sorry for what is essentially a faceless corporation? And the richest one at that? One thats never been shy in making threats itself? Then theres the heros stance. Whereas Deakins motivations are understandable and relatable, those of the films hero (Christian Slaters Cap. Riley Hale) are not. He not being wronged and has nothing to gain out of stopping Deakins. More to the point he has nothing to lose. So why even bother? On top of that, there is a chain of command and protocol for such situations. Hale's job is done by reporting the incident. Its up to the special forces after that not a lowly pilot so hes breaking his own employers rules by getting involved. Add in the fact that the army was willing to pay up (and could easily afford the dough) in order to avoid disaster and you have a situation where everybody wins so why even try to screw with that?