By Homer Yen (c) 1997
Air Force One -- Hail to the Chief
Blending the action-gripping essence of Die Hard and the claustrophobic intensity of Executive Decision, the resulting elixir is a potent mixture in the form of Air Force One. Being such, it is a high-flying adventure that offers a lot of roller-coaster style excitement in this airborne suspense thriller.
Harrison Ford stars as the President of the United States. After Russian terrorists (led by the sinister Gary Oldman) somehow board the world's most advanced and secure airplane, they eventually overtake the presidential plane and hold everyone hostage, including several chiefs of staff, a bevy of secret service agents, and the president's family. In exchange for the safe release of the hostages, the terrorists demand that the Russians release a recently captured military General, who was imprisoned for heinous acts of tyranny while in power.
It is an extraordinarily high price to pay for the hostages safety. Not only do the Russians not want to release a madman that could undermine the stability of the Russian government, but the leadership at home, led by Glenn Close as a formidable Vice-President and Dean Stockwell as a must-take-action Secretary of Defense, also vehemently stands by America's principle to not negotiate with terrorists. However, if his demands are not met, he will execute one hostage every 30 minutes.
Air Force One doesn't really amount to anything more than a simple story about the good guys trying to retake the plane and defeat the terrorists. But it is the caliber of the actors and the fine ingredients thrown into the movie recipe that makes this summer fare worth sampling. Ford is reliably charismatic as the President -- stern and tough, but still vulnerable when faced with decisions of the heart. Ford becomes the anchor for all that is American; all that is good; all that is just ˜ and will die for his country. Oldman plays his character with delicious intent as a psychotic militant bent on carrying out his demands. Oldman is the anchor of future Russia (at least as he sees it). He is equally willing to die for his beliefs as well.
Additionally, the movie incorporates several excitement-heightening components that keeps you at the edge of your seat. There is the constant cat and mouse chase through the tight confines of the airplane. There is constant ingenuity displayed as the adrenaline-rushed good guys try to find different ways to free the hostages or to land the plane. But most of all, there is no doubt that of all the protagonists of the summer, there is no one worth rooting for more than the President (and America) -- the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. And, it was also interesting to see the capabilities of Air Force One, loaded with sophisticated gadgetry and advanced military technology.
Yet, despite this generally, excitingly, executed storyline, you'll find that the ending was somewhat of a letdown given all that had transpired as you question the motivations behind one of the main characters. So much so, in fact, that it slowed much of the momentum as the movie wound to a close. Nonetheless, the fast-paced action, the fine all-around performances, and the sheer enjoyment value of the film earned its wings. I salute this fine summer offering.
Grade: B+
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