Rent Air Force One (1997)

Too American for my taste - Air Force One review by RP

It's yet another 'assassinate the President' sort of film - and unless you're from the USA, you'll probably find it a bit over the top in its gung-ho style and patriotism.

I had recently seen 'In the Line of Fire' which is a pretty good example of this genre and also directed by Wolfgang Petersen and thought I'd view this one again. I'd seen it a few years ago and remembered it as OK, if a bit over the top.

It's got a shed-load of well known actors including Harrison Ford (the Pres), Glenn Close (the Vice Pres) and Gary Oldman (the chief baddy). Harrison Ford plays yet another of his 'humble man' roles, only this time he's not only the Pres, but also a highly decorated ex serviceman, so any baddy better watch out. And that's exactly what happens - Gary Oldman and other Russian baddies infiltrate themselves onto the President's plane and attack, and Harrison Ford fights back and (of course) saves everybody.

Well, there are a few casualties of course - but the biggest casualty is credibility. It really is unbelievable stuff - I don't think it's that easy to board Air Force One, automatic weapons fire spraying everywhere but no bullet holes in the fuselage, an escape pod for the Pres, parachutes for everyone else, special effects that nowadays look quite amateurish, relationships with Russia looking like something from a different era, etc etc.

Gary Oldman makes a good baddy but that's about it. I suppose if you close your eyes and let it wash over you, you could enjoy it, but frankly it's the over-the-top reverence for the Pres that got my goat.

I'll give it 2/5 stars.

So this is what prompted the likes of olympus has fallen - Air Force One review by JD

Like the recent films that involve bad guys gunning for the US president, this is utter garbage.

I can forgive some US patriotism, no harm in that. But its 100% brain out stuff. Like the newer films nothing makes sense and the level of realism is on par with Tom and Jerry. It really is terrible.

Dont let Harrison Fords presence and Gary Oldman channelling his inner Alan Rickman fool you into watching it.

There were 2 very interesting statements in the film tho, given the passing of time.

The US taking action in other countries. And the resurgence of Russia. Although the reality in cause and effect is, as youd expect in such a miss of a film - the complete opposite to what it portrays.