‘Almost 30 years later, and the film remains one of the greatest presidential action thrillers to grace the big screen’
08:00, 06 Jan 2026
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One of Harrison Ford’s most triumphant films from the 1990s, which bagged two Academy Awards, is set to air on Channel 5 tonight (Tuesday).
Air Force One features Ford in the role of the US President, who is forced to take control when his aircraft – Air Force One – is seized by a band of terrorists demanding the liberation of their country’s incarcerated dictator.
The responsibility falls on Ford to save everyone aboard by reclaiming his plane from the grip of the villains, headed by an exceptionally wicked Gary Oldman, who is given more complexity than typically seen in such action-packed films. The film also stars Glenn Close, William H Macy and Dean Stockwell in supporting roles.
Upon its release in 1997, Air Force One was one of the biggest hits of the year and, for a period, held the record for the highest opening weekend in Ford’s career.
The film “Air Force One” featuring Gary Oldman as a Russian terrorist and Harrison Ford as Commander in Chief(Image: REUTERS/Handout)
The film boasts a respectable 78% rating on the film review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, with audience feedback generally matching this positivity, reports the Mirror.
The Radio Times commented: “The midair mayhem never lets up in a stunt-filled thriller that’s brimming with nasty villains and daring deeds.”
Film Frenzy observed: “Air Force One ultimately isn’t so much Die Hard on a plane”(Fly Hard?) as much as it’s a Top Gun for grown-ups — military hardware in the service of a red-white-and-blue chest thumper.”
Another reviewer noted: “Air Force One holds up almost 25 years later, and the film remains one of the greatest presidential action thrillers to grace the big screen.”
Cinema-goers have been equally enthusiastic in their acclaim for the film, with one viewer commenting: “Thrilling, nerve-racking, intense, and surely entertaining, Air Force One is a great watch for action fans.”
Another penned: “A classic political action thriller! Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman have never been better!”
A third remarked: “A film which hardly goes wrong anywhere. The story, action, characters and dialogues are at par. The film also provides a thrilling edge-of-your-seat experience. One of the best action films ever. “
Air Force One is on Channel 5 tonight (Tuesday), starting at 10pm.
