Air America – The Movie: A Review Source Bing.com
Air America is a 1990 American action comedy movie starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. It was directed by Roger Spottiswoode and written by Richard Rush. The movie is about two pilots, Gene Ryack and Billy Covington, who are recruited by the CIA to fly missions in Laos during the Vietnam War. The movie was released in August of 1990 and grossed over $60 million at the box office.
Plot Summary
The movie begins with Gene Ryack, an ex-Vietnam War pilot, and Billy Covington, a former military pilot, who are recruited by the CIA to fly missions in Laos. They fly missions for an organization called Air America, which transports supplies, weapons, and other materials to the South Vietnamese Army. While on a mission, the two pilots discover that the CIA has been using Air America as a front for drug smuggling. The two pilots become involved in a dangerous mission to expose the CIA’s illegal activities and protect the people of Laos from their exploitation.
Cast and Characters
Mel Gibson stars as Gene Ryack, a former Vietnam War pilot who is recruited by the CIA to fly for Air America. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Billy Covington, a former military pilot who is also recruited by the CIA to fly for Air America. Other cast members include Nancy Travis, David Marshall Grant, and Ken Jenkins. The character of Gene Ryack is a heroic figure who is willing to risk his life to protect the people of Laos. The character of Billy Covington is more of a rogue figure who is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Production and Reception
The movie was produced by the TriStar Pictures studio and was released to theaters in August of 1990. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $60 million worldwide. The movie received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of Gibson and Downey Jr. as well as the action sequences in the movie. The movie has since developed a cult following and is considered an underrated classic by some.
Themes
The movie explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. Gene Ryack and Billy Covington are portrayed as two men who are willing to risk their lives to protect the people of Laos. The movie also explores themes of corruption and the moral ambiguity of war. The CIA is portrayed as an organization that is willing to exploit the people of Laos in order to further its own agenda.
Music
The soundtrack for Air America was composed by Stanley Clarke. The music for the movie is a mixture of jazz, funk, and rock. The soundtrack includes songs such as “Together Again” by Stanley Clarke and “A Little Bit of Love” by Bobby Womack. The soundtrack was released on CD and cassette in 1990.
Legacy
Air America has become a cult classic and is appreciated by fans for its action sequences and performances. The movie has been praised for its themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. The movie is also seen as an underrated classic due to its box office success. The movie has been cited as an influence on subsequent action movies such as Con Air and The Rock.
Conclusion
Air America is a classic action movie that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. The movie stars Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. as two pilots who risk their lives to protect the people of Laos. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $60 million, and has since developed a cult following. The movie is an underrated classic that is appreciated by fans for its action sequences and performances.
