Air Force One (Wolfgang Peterson, 1997): USA

Reviewed by William Conlin. Viewed on DVD.

Sometimes we just want to watch a good action thriller. Most modern action thrillers, sadly, are plagued with poor scripts, substandard directors and b-list actors who rely on their ability to throw a punch or kick extra high. Wolfgang Peterson’s Air Force One is definitely not one of those failed films.

Air Force One mainly takes place onboard the titular presidential airplane. On his way home from a critical meeting with the leader of Russia, President James Marshall (played by Harrison Ford), his advisors and his family are taken hostage by a group of Kazakhstani terrorists (led by Gary Oldman) who are dead-set on reestablishing the old Soviet Union. As Marshall battles the terrorists on the plane, his vice-president (Glenn Close) is forced to make a decision about presidential incapacity.

I find it interesting to watch any pre 9/11 film involving terrorism. I don’t think a film like this would have been made in a post Bin Laden world. At one moment in the picture, an American fighter pilot decides to sacrifice his life to save the president. When I first saw that scene, I remember someone in the theater saying, “now there’s an American hero.” I also remember silently agreeing with him. In today’s environment, I doubt anyone would regard a scene in a film the same way, when the real life stories of heroics and patriotism seem to be larger than any Hollywood production.

But regardless of that, Air Force One still ranks as one of my favorite action thrillers. Peterson’s direction is superb and the incredible ensemble of actors makes this a much-watch film. From beginning to end this is a non-stop thrill ride and although it’s entirely implausible, it’s still a great deal of fun to watch.

If you are interested in a real heart pounder with some bite, Air Force One is the film for you.