Rating of
4/4
Fun and action packed movie.
mdtinney - wrote on 11/21/09
OK, if you're looking for something like The Godfather or Citizen Kane you've probably come to the wrong place. But you knew that going in. Air Force One is what it is, a typical big-budget Hollywood action thriller where the plot (such as it is) gets put on the back burner while a bunch of people get shot and a lot of things get blown up. This is not meant to be thought-provoking serious cinema. It's meant to be fun and in that it succeeds. As the movie begins President James Marshall, played by Harrison Ford, is flying home from Russia where he has just given a speech outlining America's policy of not negotiating with terrorists. And, oh sweet irony, his plane is immediately hijacked by terrorists. The hijackers, whose leader is played by the wonderfully sinister Gary Oldman, are Russians angling for the release of a political prisoner. So now President Marshall's no-negotiations policy will be put to the test. Does he stand firm or give in to the terrorists' demands to save himself and his family? Oh yes, his family. Because we simply must have a terrified wife and child on board to ratchet up the drama, no? Anyhow while other politicians (including Vice President...Glenn Close? Hey look, a female Vice President, aren't we progressive say the filmmakers) consider giving in to the terrorists' demands, President Marshall takes matters into his own hands. While he might be getting a little old for this, Ford is a reliable action hero and he does what he does best. And Oldman is a worthy foil for him although his over the top accent gets a little tiresome. Putting the accent aside, Oldman does an otherwise perfect job of playing the villain. Such a role could be quite clichéd but he pulls it off brilliantly. But it's really Ford's movie and he is up to the task. Air Force One is not meant to be taken all that seriously. Just sit back, enjoy the action, appreciate the fine performances of the two leads and this one will be worth your while.
