Ford Tough
Air Force One Packs a Presidential Punch

Last year, the summer blockbuster Independence Day introduced America to a different type of President. Unlike those before him, this President did not just sit in the Oval Office and command others to do his bidding. No sir. As the President, Bill Pullman strapped himself into a jet fighter and led the attack to whoop some alien butt. John Wayne couldn't have done it any better. Undoubtedly far-fetched, but certainly a presidential image I admired.

This summer, Hollywood is offering America a different President, but one who is no less spectacular. Of course, casting the President of the United States is always difficult. Fortunately, Air Force One cast Harrison Ford perfectly.

Those of you who follow Ford's career will remember his portrayal of Jack Ryan in the Tom Clancy movies Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. Just so there is no confusion, Air Force One is not a Tom Clancy movie, and Ford does not play Jack Ryan. And yet, his character of President Marshall could not be more like Ryan if Ford tried. He is an honest, hard-working, and fearless politician. (Now you know it has to be a fantasy.)

The story of Air Force One is simple. Terrorists take over the President's plane in an effort to repatriate the deposed leader of Kazakhstan. After a massive shoot-out in which most of the Secret Service and apparently NONE of the terrorists are killed, the President appears to escape via a special escape pod. Of course, we know it wouldn't be a movie if he really bailed. He must be hiding!

Back in the United States, the Vice-President and Joint Chiefs argue about the pros and cons of negotiating with terrorists in direct opposition to the President's new "tough on terrorists" policy. They don't want to risk the hostages (who are being mercilessly executed one by one), but they don't want to negotiate with terrorists either.

While the movie could have taken a very serious tone and dealt with the situation in a realistic manner, it degrades to little more than a James Bond movie -- stretching the limits of even my imagination. I can respect a President who is willing to literally fight for his survival and the protection of his family. I can even overlook a couple of serious liberties the screenwriters took with Air Force One's capabilities. Nevertheless, I became very frustrated with the ending of the movie, which leaped past the probable and fell into the abyss of summer action movies.

Despite the obvious flaws in the story, it is an enjoyable ride. I enjoyed seeing Ford pick off terrorists one by one a la Die Hard. I loved Gary Oldman's characterization of Ivan Korshunov, the merciless Russian patriot. The scene in which he tries to justify his actions to the President's captive daughter brings chills. Glenn Close gave a strong, emotion-filled performance as Vice-President Bennett. My only complaint with the casting was the under-utilization of William H. Macy.

My advice is to see Air Force One. Harrison Ford gives a rock-solid performance. If we are lucky, maybe he will reprise his role when (and if) Hollywood adapts Tom Clancy's Exective Orders. He really makes a heck of a good President.

MY RATING: 7 out of 10.

RATED: R
RUN TIME: 124 min.