"This is Air Force One, declaring emergency!"
AIR FORCE ONE (R) 
Reviewed July 28, 1997 - Check out the Air Force One web site.
It's great to be able to go into a film with high expectations, and then have those expectations met and exceeded. In what has to be one of the most engaging action thrillers in recent years, Harrison Ford stars as U.S. President James Marshall aboard Air Force One when the plane is hijacked by a group of highly skilled terrorists. Led by Gary Oldman as terrorist mastermind Ivan Korshunov, the bloody takeover of the Presidential plane leaves approximately 50 hostages, including the President's wife, daughter, and several senior members of his staff. The terrorists demand the release of Russian Nationalist General Radek, and until their demands are met, vow to execute one hostage every half an hour.
The hijacked-airplane/hostage setup certainly isn't a new one in Hollywood circles, but with Harrison Ford in command and Wolfgang Peterson (Das Boot, In The Line of Fire) directing, it's a highly intense and utterly entertaining experience. Ford's President is the hero America does not have, a brave and honorable man who loves his family and stands for what's right, and who just happens to be a world leader. As expected, Ford is perfect in this role, turning in one of his finest performances as a man trying to save lives while torn between his duties as the President, his responsibilities as a husband and father, and his emotions as an individual human being. This is a man who, throughout the film, commands the respect and loyalty of those around him, and frankly who could blame them. There's very little 90's political cynicism here, just good old fashioned heroism and lots of genuine admiration in the face of a great leader. With Peterson's clean and tight direction of this film, this is a very fast two-hour plane ride which you'll hate to see end. Add to this some great supporting performances by the likes of Oldman and Glenn Close (as the Vice-President), and you've definitely got a film to see. Does it matter (as President Clinton noted) that there isn't an escape pod on the real Air Force One? Nah. This is, after all, fiction...and Air Force One doesn't really have an escape pod, and our leaders really aren't this noble in action, and Harrison Ford really isn't the President of the United States...what a shame... :-)
Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!
jessfrogy@prodigy.net
gives this movie stars: "This
movie was good it was fool of action and the hijacking scene was killer.
But it was kind of unrealistic like Bill would really try to save his wife
and daughter hahahaha" (8/19/99)
Janeway gives this movie stars: "I
thought it was a terrific movie, well played. Harrison Ford did a great
job, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. A definate must see." (8/25/98)
Jules B. Vernon gives this movie 
stars.
(6/7/98)
Erlend Hoie gives this movie stars: "This
film was perfect!" (4/26/98)
Stephanie Hensley gives this movie stars: "This
movie was an adventure/hero type. Harrison Ford was darling in it. He was
so unbelievable as the Prez. I say that the film couldn't have been better.
Well unless I played Harrison Ford's wife. But hay I enjoy just
watching. Live long Prez. Harrison Ford! Great film and greater acting!!!!!" (12/28/97)
cus55@yahoo.com gives
this movie stars: "Although
many have considered Air Force One to be an action-packed blockbuster,
I couldn't help but think that this is all familiar territory. I think
it is time Hollywood came to understand that movies like these are all
complete rip-offs of each movie before it. Far-fetched, extremely repetitive
and above all predictable, Air Force One's only saving grace was Gary Oldman's
fine performance." (12/11/97)
bvarnell@surfsouth.com
gives this movie stars: "This
is probably Wolfgang Peterson's best movie. The movie started out great
from the begging. If you have not seen this movie, rent it when it comes
out and buy it. I Am. I am 12. P.S.I read the book too!!"
Christopher Davis gives this movie stars.
