Air America (1990): A Classic Action-Comedy Movie Source Bing.com
Air America is a 1990 action-comedy film starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. It was directed by Roger Spottiswoode and distributed by TriStar Pictures. The film was inspired by the CIA-operated airline of the same name, which existed from 1950 to 1976. Air America tells the story of two pilots, played by Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr., who are recruited by the CIA to help in their covert operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.
Plot Summary
Air America follows the story of two pilots, Gene (Mel Gibson) and Billy (Robert Downey Jr.), who are recruited by the CIA to fly missions in support of covert operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. They are sent to a small, remote airbase in Laos, where they are told to fly supply and rescue missions for the CIA. However, they soon realize that their missions are not what they seem and that they are being used by the CIA for their own agenda.
Gene and Billy soon find themselves caught in the middle of a conflict between the CIA and the Laotian government. As their missions become increasingly dangerous, they become aware of the true nature of the CIA’s involvement in the war. The two pilots must now decide whether to follow orders or risk their lives in order to do the right thing.
The Cast
Air America stars Mel Gibson as Gene Ryack, Robert Downey Jr. as Billy Covington, David Marshall Grant as Captain Little, Nancy Travis as Captain Brown, Lane Smith as General Nung, Ken Jenkins as Colonel Rhah and Richard Masur as Captain Perlman. The cast also includes Art LaFleur as Colonel Watson and Joan Chen as Mai Li.
Production and Critical Reception
Air America was directed by Roger Spottiswoode and produced by Bill Murray and Brian Grazer. The film was made on a budget of $35 million and was released on August 10, 1990. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing over $51 million at the worldwide box office.
Air America was praised for its action sequences, humorous dialogue and strong performances from its cast. The film was also praised for its ability to address political issues in a light-hearted manner. Although the film was criticized for its lack of depth and its tendency to romanticize the CIA’s involvement in the Vietnam War, it was still considered to be an entertaining action-comedy.
Legacy
Air America has become a cult classic, with fans of the film citing its action sequences, comedic elements, and strong performances from its cast as the reasons for its enduring appeal. The film is also seen as an interesting examination of the CIA’s involvement in the Vietnam War, as well as a reflection on the political climate of the time.
Conclusion
Air America is a classic action-comedy film starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. It was directed by Roger Spottiswoode and released in 1990. The film was praised for its action sequences, humorous dialogue and strong performances from its cast. Air America has become a cult classic, with fans of the film citing its action sequences, comedic elements and strong performances from its cast as the reasons for its enduring appeal.
