Based on the book by John Denis.
Version: 2013; starring Emilie de Ravin
Genre: adventure; intrigue
Plot Summary: When Air Force One, carrying the President and many cabinet members, is hijacked and destroyed, it is up to a team of three independently working agents to rescue innocent lives.
My Review: Disclaimer*: I have not read the original book, so this review will not by comparing it to that novel. Only as a story in and of itself, totally unrelated to the book.
This movie caught my eye because a) I enjoy stories of intrigue, and b) the name of Alistair Maclean. It was a fairly recently made movie and I was surprised that Maclean had any stories so recent. Wasn’t he a writer from the 1960’s or something?
It turns out that the book this movie is based upon was not written by Alistair Maclean, but by an author pen named John Denis. It has the name of Maclean attached to it because it is a continuation of a series he started. I believe it was originally set in the ’80’s, the decade it was written.
The story does not have good reviews as a novel, and the film (updated to a contemporary era) was obviously not big budget. However, I found the plot interesting and exciting, even if the acting was a little cheesy at times. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I also enjoyed seeing actress Emilie de Ravin in another role besides playing sweet characters for a change (Australian accent not present). As an undercover Russian agent, her edge and innovativeness in tight situations were fun to watch.
Unfortunately, this movie does contain a lot of foul language and innuendos. Early on, a man and woman have a sexual fling. Francesca and Steven are left to drown in their underwear. Another scene contains a lesbian kiss, but it is shortly revealed to be only a hoax. There were some pretty gory sights, as well.
Would I recommend this? I wouldn’t place it high on my to-watch list but it did have an unique plot, and if you have nothing better to do or watch this may be of interest.
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