Channel 5 is set to broadcast a slice of cinematic nostalgia tonight, with the high-stakes 1990s action thriller Air Force One taking to the airwaves. The film, which remains a benchmark for presidential action flicks, starts at 10pm on Tuesday.
A Presidential Crisis at 30,000 Feet
Released in 1997, the film features Harrison Ford as James Marshall, the President of the United States. His journey aboard the iconic presidential aircraft turns into a nightmare when a group of terrorists, led by the ruthless Ivan Korshunov, hijack the plane. The terrorists' demand is the release of a jailed dictator from their homeland.
With his family and staff held hostage, President Marshall must abandon diplomacy and use his wits and combat skills to retake control of Air Force One. The film expertly blends relentless action with the unique pressure of a national crisis unfolding in the skies.
A Stellar Cast Led by Ford and Oldman
While Ford delivers a typically rugged and charismatic performance as the Commander-in-Chief, the film is notably elevated by Gary Oldman's portrayal of the primary antagonist. Oldman brings a chilling depth and fervent intensity to the role of Korshunov, creating a villain who is both terrifying and strangely principled, a rarity in the genre.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Glenn Close as the Vice President, William H. Macy, and Dean Stockwell. Their performances ground the film's extravagant premise in a believable political reality.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Legacy
Upon its release, Air Force One was a major box office success, achieving the highest opening weekend of Harrison Ford's career at the time. It went on to win two Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Film Editing.
The film continues to be held in high regard, boasting a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and audiences alike praise its relentless pace and effective thrills. The Radio Times commended its "midair mayhem that never lets up," while many fans consider it a quintessential action classic.
One viewer noted it was "thrilling, nerve-racking, intense, and surely entertaining," while another hailed it as "a classic political action thriller" where both Ford and Oldman are at their peak. Nearly three decades on, its status as one of the greatest presidential action thrillers to grace the screen remains firmly intact.
Don't miss the chance to experience or revisit this high-altitude drama. Air Force One airs on Channel 5 tonight (Tuesday) at 10pm.
