Air Force One

Right now you can watch Air Force One in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Hulu and fuboTV — and it earns its twists rather than manufacturing them. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 3,352 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Harrison Ford's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Disney Plus and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Air Force One earns its spot. Air Force One treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. When Russian neo-nationalists hijack Air Force One, the world's most secure and extraordinary aircraft, the President is faced with a nearly impossible decision to give in to terrorist demands or sacrifice not only the country's dignity, but the lives of his wife and daughter. Credit to Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman for grounding it — this is a cast that earns the twists. Air Force One came out in 1997. The plot mechanics of Air Force One never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Crime and mystery fans will find exactly what they are after in Air Force One. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Harrison Ford's performance is the kind that shows up on best-of lists years later. If you have been looking for something to fill the gap left by a recently finished story, this is a reliable answer.