Review of Air Force One (1997) by Justin M — 12 Jul 2009

Harrison Ford proved himself a middle-aged action hero with this exciting thriller. It's one of his better movies in this latter stage of his career. Director Wolfgang Petersen keeps the tension on high and the plot moving as Harrison Ford shoots or beats down terrorists like he's playing Indiana Jones all over again.

But he also brings a human side to this commander-in-chief, a smart man who will "not negotiate with terrorists" and cares deeply about his wife and daughter. Gary Oldman, that great British thespian, he of the classic scenery chewing, adds another over-the-top villain to his resume.

He is an absolutely ferocious presence, sporting a devilish goatee and a thick Russian accent. His bad guy is just as smart as Ford's president, and just as determined. He brings to mind that classic Hitchcock saying, "good villains make good thrillers.

" Glenn Close, William H. Macy, Wendy Crewson, and Dean Stockwell provide great supporting work. And Ford's now-classic "Get off my plane!" moment will thrill you down to the marrow.

The political flavor of the piece takes a backseat to the edge-of-your-seat thrills, but this is still one helluva action thriller that proves Harrison Ford, even in his AARP days, can still kick some serious butt.