Review of Air Force One (1997) by Kenneth R — 22 Aug 2011

There's a curious resonance to Air Force One, as time has actually made the film seem better than it was upon release in '97. Though it's themes and depth are merely (and briefly) stated by characters without elaboration, this is still an action/thriller we're dealing with.

Gary Oldman makes for a terrific and near-hauntingly ironic villain. He pulls this off so much so, that one could get away with the argument that he steals the show from Harrison Ford. It's a shame we didn't get to see both of them in more scenes together, as the tension and playoffs for their characters are dropped right as things get interesting between them.

As for the rest of the film, it all fits and flows in a comfortable flow which ensures constant engagement. Peterson might not be rivaling the quality provided on Das Boot, but he can sure make an engaging action film without feeling too juvenile.