Political Science 320 The American Presidency…. and Air Force One

As a PoliSci major, I am taking the last class that I need in order to complete my major, The American Presidency.  Up until this point, most of what I know about the President has come from my own personal analysis of David Palmer’s actions of Fox’s soon to be finished series 24.  So last night when I turned on Air Force One, it was in no way for entertainment.  Rather, I deemed it my homework for the night.  I would learn about the president from watching Harrison Ford in action rather than reading my textbook.

Needless to say I learned almost nothing.  I took some notes on things I may want to do before I run for President (win a Medal of Honor, learn to disarm terrorists with my bare hands, etc.), but more seriously the film did address some relevant political questions such as the differentiation between the President and the presidency as well as the invocation of the 25^th Amendment.  Other than that it was much more of an action film than a political thriller.  Listening to Nelly’s same named hit single for two hours would have been nearly as beneficial to my grades.

President James Marshall (Ford) is what I think Die Hard’s John McClane would vote for in a Presidential election.  He speaks his mind, is a man’s man, and has no tolerance for heavy-accented terrorists.  However, the many aspects of the film are even more farfetched than Die Hard (I know, hard to believe).  I would love for Mythbusters to tear this one apart.

Ford, overall, does a good job.  As do Gary Oldman and Glenn Close.  However, the First Lady, Wendy Crewson (the mom from The Santa Clause) is awful.  She’s worse than Willie Mays Hayes as Black Hammer (if you have no idea what I’m talking about revisit my Top 5 Baseball Movies).  Not once was I convinced of her fake emotions in the high stress situation.  Apparently it’s much harder to be the President’s wife than being Old St. Nick’s ex-wife.  Who knew?

Overall the plot in the movie was adequate and some of the action was a fun ride.  If nothing else, the Russian terrorists reminded me why I’m rooting against the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Unfortunately, I don’t think it will help me for next week’s midterm.  Back to Article II of the Constitution….


3 stars out of 5

-Nuss