Review of Air Force One (1997) by John V — 06 Feb 2010

For a film centred around the American president, the Russian president and an international incident of epic proportions (all fictional), credit should be given to Wolfgang Petersen for keeping 'Air Force One' relatively apolitical. The inferences can be drawn but never given the impression of being part Petersen's message.

A joint US and Russian special forces operation successfully captures tyrannical Kazakhstani leader General Alexander Radek (Jürgen Prochnow). In Russia, US presdient James Marshal (Harrison Ford) announces the capture to the world and the beginning of a new, zero-tolerance policy before boarding Air Force One for the return flight, in the company of a dubious set of journalists.

The strong cast, which includes the likes of Ford, Glenn Close, Gary Oldman, William Macey and Wendy Crewson, translates well onto the screen. Petersen's assembly provide a solid set of characters, each one believable and substantial enough to carry a somewhat improbable storyline off with feasibility. Most impressive of all is the creation of the equally improbable US president James Marshall. Ford personally balances Marshall's emotional and vulnerable streak with conviction and the survivalist, many-formed pragmatist with obvious relish. Furthermore the creation of Marshall as the squeaky-clean American hero (fundamental to 'Air Force One's' appeal) is enhanced by the performances of the secondary characters, particularly the refusal of Vice-President Glenn Close to accept his apparent death.

Although present and never smothered, the emotional content of the film is far-outweighed by the fast-paced, action-packed script and impressive sequences. The creation of the sets, particularly Air Force One itself, are praiseworthy and again act as a ballast to the proceedings that at times lack believability. Regardless of this, 'Air Force One' is always riveting and offers more than enough to engage the audience.

A blockbuster was clearly in mind as opposed to a masterpiece when 'Air Force One' was conceived. With the cross-genre elements of a thriller, action-adventure and drama Petersen had already taken a dangerously large bite before considering how best to digest it. Unfortunately Petersen turned to formula and the regurgitation of past delicacies 'Die Hard' and 'Rambo'. Although unfair to criticize a film for employing a tried and tested tactic; the traced lines between 'Air Force One', the aforementioned films and over-used formula are simply too bold. That said, it does not detract from the enjoyment and entertainment of a shallow and impressive action film with high tension.