Introduction
Air America is a 1990 action-comedy film directed by Roger Spottiswoode and starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. The movie tells the story of a pilot named Billy Covington (Gibson) who works for the CIA’s secret airline, Air America, during the Vietnam War. The film is based on the book “Air America” by Christopher Robbins.
The Plot
The movie takes place in the early 1970s during the Vietnam War. Billy Covington is an American pilot who is recruited by the CIA to fly for their secret airline, Air America. The airline is used by the CIA to transport weapons, drugs, and other supplies to support the war effort. Billy is initially reluctant to work for the CIA but is convinced to do so by his friend and fellow pilot, Gene Ryack (Downey Jr.).
Billy and Gene fly a variety of missions for Air America, including transporting weapons to the Laotian army and flying opium out of the country. However, they soon discover that their superiors in the CIA are involved in illegal activities and are using Air America for their own profit. Billy and Gene decide to blow the whistle on the CIA’s illegal activities but must first evade capture by the CIA and the Laotian army.
The Cast
The movie features a star-studded cast, including Mel Gibson as Billy Covington and Robert Downey Jr. as Gene Ryack. Other notable actors include Nancy Travis as Corinne Landreaux, a humanitarian aid worker who becomes romantically involved with Billy, and David Marshall Grant as Jack Neely, a CIA agent who is involved in the agency’s illegal activities.
The Reception
Air America received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, grossing over $31 million at the box office. The movie was praised for its action sequences and the chemistry between Gibson and Downey Jr. However, some critics criticized the film for its lack of historical accuracy and its portrayal of the CIA’s involvement in illegal activities.
Conclusion
Air America is a thrilling action-comedy that tells the story of the CIA’s secret airline during the Vietnam War. The movie features a talented cast, including Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr., and is full of exciting action sequences. While the movie may not be historically accurate, it provides an entertaining look at one of the CIA’s most secretive operations.