Air America Movie Cult Source Bing.com
Air America is a 1990 action-comedy movie directed by Roger Spottiswoode, starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. The movie revolves around two pilots of Air America, a CIA-funded airline operating in Laos during the Vietnam War. It was released to mixed reviews and quickly faded into obscurity, but over the years has gained a cult following.
Plot Summary
The movie begins with Air America pilot Gene Ryack (Gibson) and his friend Bobby Bishop (Downey Jr.) flying supplies into Laos. On one of their missions they are attacked by enemy forces and crash land. After escaping they are rescued by the Hmong people and brought to a village, where they meet an American doctor named Charley (Nancy Travis). They soon discover that Charley is actually a CIA agent in charge of a secret operation in Laos.
Gene and Bobby then join the CIA’s Air America operation and become involved in covert operations in the area. They are soon tasked with rescuing a captured American diplomat and are sent on a dangerous mission. Along the way they enlist the help of a Hmong woman and her son, who help them evade the enemy forces. The mission culminates in a spectacular air battle, with Gene and Bobby eventually succeeding in rescuing the diplomat.
Themes
Air America is an action-comedy that plays on the contrast between the seriousness of war and the light-heartedness of the characters. The movie also serves as a commentary on the CIA’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The movie takes a largely anti-war stance, with the characters shown to be caught in a situation where war is unavoidable. The movie also critiques the CIA’s methods, with the main characters being put in dangerous and unethical situations in order to achieve the agency’s goals.
The movie also examines the impact of war on the people of Laos, with the Hmong people being shown as victims of the conflict. The characters of Gene and Bobby are presented as sympathetic figures, caught between their loyalty to the CIA and their desire to do what’s right. The movie also touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage, as the two pilots face danger together.
Reception
Air America was released to mixed reviews. The movie was praised for its action sequences and performances by Gibson and Downey Jr., but criticized for its lack of depth and occasional silliness. Despite the mixed reviews, Air America has gone on to become a cult classic, with many fans citing it as an underrated gem. The movie has also gained a following among fans of Gibson and Downey Jr. for its display of their early work.
Legacy
Air America has gained a cult following over the years, with many fans citing it as an underrated classic. The movie has also gained a following among fans of Gibson and Downey Jr. for its display of their early work. The movie has also been credited with bringing attention to the CIA’s involvement in the Vietnam War, as well as to the plight of the Hmong people.
Conclusion
Air America is an action-comedy that has gained a cult following over the years. While it was initially met with mixed reviews, many fans have come to appreciate its themes and performances. The movie has also been credited with bringing attention to the CIA’s involvement in the Vietnam War, as well as to the plight of the Hmong people. Air America has gone on to become a cult classic, with many fans citing it as an underrated gem.