This Wolfgang Peterson political action thriller was released worldwide in July of 1997 where
it eventually earned back almost four times its $85-million dollar budget.
The sharply paced R-rated story follows Harrison Ford as the President Of The United States,
who must single-handedly thwart a team of Russian terrorists after they hijack the most
secure aircraft in the world.
To put it simply, this 124-minute story is "Die Hard On A Plane"... but God damn does
it deliver.
Ford is his usual gruff and confident self, able to stare down his adversaries without
flinching, and he can coldcock them just as effortlessly.
His bravery and luck may be a bit hard to swallow, but he's easily the coolest fictional
president in movie history.
During a high profile speech, he admonishes terrorism by forcefully declaring, "We will
no longer tolerate, and we will no longer be afraid.
It's your turn to be afraid."
The incredibly versatile cast features Gary Oldman as a fierce and uncompromising Russian
extremist, Glenn Close as the headstrong VP, and Wendy Crewson as the flustered First Lady.
A multitude of other recognizable actors do great work in their smaller roles as well,
including Dean Stockwell, Paul Guilfoyle, Xander Berkeley, William H. Macy, Tom Everett,
Glenn Morshower, Philip Baker Hall, and Spencer Garrett.
While it does share cautionary virtues about giving into demands, and the roles our government
should play policing the world - it's the inventive twist on established formulas that
drives the narrative.
"Air Force One" rarely lets off the throttle, opening with a harrowing special forces kidnapping
in the cold open, and culminating with an iconic fist fight at the tail of the aircraft
where Ford sternly demands Oldman to "Get off my plane."
As fantastic as that scene is though, there's still over 20 minutes of nail-biting action
left to go.
The absolute centerpiece is the terrorist's initial takeover of the blue-and-white 747.
The film's Oscar-nominated sound mix absolutely deserves to be cranked here - the hectic fight
for control of the plane is matched only in its intensity by the infamous "D-Day" sequence
in "Saving Private Ryan".
Utilizing a picturesque prison made famous in "Shawshank Redemption", a borrowed Japanese
jetliner with a $300,000 paint job, and plenty of high-quality model work: the detail and
environments really help sell this picture's authenticity.
While the President's real plane may not have an escape pod, the fictional one is still
impressive; as long steady-cam shots show off its large interior.
Replacing Randy Newman at the last-minute, composer Jerry Goldsmith had only 12 days
to construct the score, but his patriotic theme is some of his best work.
Soft whistles and piano chords echo during the most suspenseful moments, while the gunplay
and fights are backed by loud trumpets and drums.
Michael Ballhaus's wider cinematography creates ample tension with rack-focused two-shots,
which clearly establish the geography of the players before each encounter.
With its bombastic American attitudes, one-liners, and some unconvincing CGI, the movie unfortunately
feels a bit dated today: but by that same token, it also perfectly encapsulates everything
that might pre-9/11 action movies so fantastic.
The shot of Ford clutching onto the parachute ramp as a massive fueling tanker explodes
behind him remains one of the most enduring images of 90s cinema.
The superb cast and crew creates an undeniably thrilling experience that leaves me breathless
on every viewing.
It's also one of only two films I've bought on VHS, DVD, and Bluray.
"Air Force One" is an unapologetic adventure that boasts unforgettable action.