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Year:   2000
Studio: Columbia Pictures/Beacon Pictures
Movie:  2/5
DVD:    2/5

Air Force One is a typical action movie. Lots of explosions, a relatively simple plot pitting good against evil, lots of gunfire, lots of people dying. There are a few unusual elements. For one, it takes place on a Boeing jet, "Air Force One" which shuttles the President of the United States. More unusual is that it is the President himself (in the form of actor Harrison Ford) who is the action hero.

The President is on his way home from Russia when Air Force One is hijacked by Russian ultra-nationals led by Gary Oldman (who plays great villains). Somehow the President evades capture and now it is up to him to stop the terrorists before they kill all the hostages. Also making a notable appearance is Glenn Close as the Vice President of the United States.

Director Wolfgang Petersen provides the audio commentary. As I've said before, Petersen tends to be effusive and can't say anything even remotely negative about his people. He also tends to focus a bit much on special effects and the action. But at least he talks a lot and he does say some interesting things.

What I liked about this movie: it's an action, it has Harrison Ford, it's on an airplane. What I didn't like about this movie: nothing really new, the special effects are not anything new, it just doesn't feel like something special. Conclusion: not worth recommending.

Copyright (c) 2004 Kevin C. Wong
Page Created: June 2, 2004
Page Last Updated: June 2, 2004