Air Force One Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

President Harrison Ford takes extreme measures to avoid a bad Google review after terrorists hijack Air Force One, because apparently national security is secondary to his Yelp rating.

🍿 Air Force One: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Stage: Moscow and a New Policy

The film opens with a joint US-Russian operation capturing General Radek, a Kazakh dictator. Three weeks later, President James Marshall declares a no-negotiation policy with terrorists in Moscow. He emphasizes a proactive stance against oppressive regimes, setting the stage for the film’s central conflict. This firm stance immediately puts him and his administration on high alert, but none could anticipate the events to come.

The Hijacking of Air Force One

En route back to the US, Air Force One is hijacked by Radek loyalists disguised as journalists. Led by Ivan Korshunov, the terrorists quickly seize control, aided by a mole within the Secret Service, Agent Gibbs. The initial chaos sees several members of the President’s staff killed, dramatically raising the stakes. The Secret Service rushes President Marshall to the escape pod, or so they believe.

Marshall’s Resistance and the Hostages

It is soon revealed that President Marshall never left the plane. A Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, he begins a stealthy campaign to retake Air Force One. Meanwhile, Vice President Bennett in Washington faces immense pressure as Korshunov demands Radek’s release, threatening to execute hostages every half hour. The situation escalates as Marshall works to undermine the hijackers’ control from within.

Desperate Measures and Narrow Escapes

Marshall manages to sabotage the plane and facilitate a risky mass evacuation via parachute. However, Korshunov’s men discover the operation, leading to a chaotic and deadly struggle. A mid-air refueling attempt goes awry, further damaging Air Force One and highlighting the dire circumstances. The President fights on, determined to save his family and his country from the grip of terrorists.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• President James Marshall (Harrison Ford): The President of the United States, a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, who bravely fights to retake Air Force One from hijackers.
• Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman): The ruthless leader of the communist radicals who hijack Air Force One to secure the release of a Kazakhstani general.
• Vice President Kathryn Bennett (Glenn Close): The Vice President who takes charge in Washington, D.C., attempting to negotiate with the terrorists while supporting the President.
• Grace Marshall (Wendy Crewson): The First Lady and President Marshall’s wife, who is held hostage on Air Force One along with their daughter.
• Agent Gibbs (Xander Berkeley): A Secret Service agent who is secretly a mole and helps the terrorists hijack Air Force One.
• Major Caldwell (William H. Macy): A loyal Air Force officer aboard Air Force One who aids the president in his fight against the terrorists.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• President James Marshall: “We will no longer tolerate terrorism. We will no longer negotiate with terrorists. We will no longer yield to it. We will strike back, swiftly and without mercy.” – The President’s bold declaration during a state dinner in Moscow sets the stage for the film’s conflict.
• Ivan Korshunov: “You lecture the world about democracy and freedom, and then you give billions of dollars to dictatorships. You are an embarrassment!” – Korshunov’s justification for his actions, highlighting his warped perspective on American foreign policy.
• President James Marshall: “Get off my plane!” – The President’s defiant declaration before killing Korshunov, a line that became the movie’s catchphrase.
• President James Marshall: “Peace isn’t merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice.” – President Marshall says this when defending his administration’s approach to fighting terrorism.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $85,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $172,956,409
• Worldwide Gross: $315,156,409

💥 Air Force One Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing Air Force One in the theater and being completely captivated. Harrison Ford as a tough-as-nails president? Sign me up! Gary Oldman was terrifying, and every near-miss for the president had me holding my breath. It’s definitely over the top, but that’s part of what makes it such a fun, patriotic ride. The scene where Ford shouts, “Get off my plane!” still gives me chills. It’s pure movie magic!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in political dramas”
  • “Harrison Ford fans”
  • “Those seeking a suspenseful and patriotic movie experience”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense action violence”
  • “Brief language”
  • “Terrorism themes”
  • “Some scenes may be disturbing for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A gripping thriller that delivers on its high-stakes premise. Ford embodies the determined president, while Oldman provides a chillingly effective villain. The film occasionally veers into over-the-top action, but the solid performances and relentless tension make it a worthwhile watch.
• Janet Maslin: “A well-crafted action movie that benefits from a strong cast and a compelling storyline. The aerial sequences are particularly impressive, and the film maintains a sense of urgency throughout. While the plot may be somewhat far-fetched, it’s all part of the fun.
• Variety Staff: “Harrison Ford rises to the occasion as an action star, delivering a strong man in command. Director Wolfgang Petersen keeps the pressure high from the beginning to the crash and the movie delivers a solid and entertaining adventure.

Audience Reactions

The intense action sequences kept viewers on the edge of their seats.: Many loved Harrison Ford’s portrayal of a strong and determined president.

Gary Oldman’s performance as the ruthless terrorist leader was highly praised.: The film’s patriotic themes resonated with many viewers.

Overall Consensus: A thrilling, albeit somewhat unrealistic, action movie with strong performances from Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman. Highly entertaining and patriotic.

Awards

1. Blockbuster Entertainment Award (Favorite Actor – Action/Adventure)- 1997

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Wolfgang Petersen was initially denied access to the real Air Force One for research. Harrison Ford personally called the White House, which quickly changed the situation.”
• “The filmmakers built an incredibly detailed replica of the Air Force One interior on a soundstage, allowing for realistic action sequences.”

🖥️ How to Watch Air Force One?

Air Force One is widely available to rent or buy on demand through platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential broadcast schedules. While subscription services may occasionally carry it, on-demand purchase or rental is the most consistent way to view the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Air Force One, you might like these similar films:

• Die Hard 2 (1990): Another action-packed thriller where terrorists take control of an airport, and a lone hero must stop them.
• Executive Decision (1996): Features a similar plot of terrorists hijacking a passenger plane, with a focus on the efforts to retake the aircraft.
• Olympus Has Fallen (2013): The White House is infiltrated, and a disgraced Secret Service agent has to save the President; similar high-stakes action and patriotism.
• Passenger 57 (1992): Wesley Snipes stars as a security expert who must thwart a terrorist plot on a commercial flight, offering similar high-octane action.

🛒 Air Force One Related Products

• Air Force One: The Real McCoy: Detailed scale model of Air Force One as seen in the film. Includes authentic markings and a display stand. A perfect piece for collectors.
• President Marshall Action Figure: Highly detailed action figure of President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) from Air Force One, featuring multiple points of articulation and movie-accurate accessories.
• Air Force One Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office.
• Air Force One: Limited Edition Blu-ray: Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes. Experience the thrill of Air Force One in stunning high definition.

🎧 Soundtrack

Air Force One features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “The Parachutes” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “End Credits” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “L’Internationale” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Air Force One Crashes | Air Force One

Curious about how realistic the movie ‘Air Force One’ is? This video breaks down the film’s portrayal of events, offering fascinating insights for fans.

AIR FORCE ONE (1997) (Part 2 of 2) | Mover Ruins Movies

If you’re a fan of the movie ‘Air Force One,’ you’ll love this in-depth look at its flying scenes. The video breaks down the action, offering a unique perspective on the film’s production.

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