Review of Air Force One (1997) by Ed C — 24 Jun 2009

This 1997 blockbuster is another solid action picture for Harrison Ford, who reliably injects his charisma into an involing political action thriller as President James Marshall. The film certainly relies greatly on location and the ironically claustrophobic setting of the titular 'Air Force One' provides a whole host of thrills. The cast is very impressive and the film allows many turns. For instance, Harrison Ford has his usual charismatic though, in this film, less roguish moments briging down the 'bad guys' (Ultra-Patriot Soviet Extremists) and gradually taking control once again. Glenn Close has some priceless moments in the situation room as a flustered Vice President, often hindered by Defense Secretary Walter Dean (wonderfully realised by Dean Stockwell), and of course, the outstanding Gary Oldman as Ivan Korshunov, the ruthless leader of the Soviet activists, giving his murderous moments both a chilling edge and a memorable style.

Overall the movie benefits from its countless thrills, that are intertwined well, and the shrewdness of the plot helps this along. Without this action and intense atmosphere, the film would be far more trivial and forgettable, but luckily the thrills are on hand, and we are safe to fully praise Petersen's patriotic thrill-ride.