STORYLINE: High-altitude thriller in which the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, is hijacked by Russian communist radicals (Gary Oldman) demanding the release of the Kazakhstani leader (Jürgen Prochnow). With the First Lady (Wendy Crewson) and her family trapped on board, the hijackers threaten to kill one hostage every half-hour until their demands are met. What they don’t know is that the president (Harrison Ford) himself is hiding in the hold and formulating a plan to save his family.  (IMDb)

    We all have milestones in are lives, when we take are first steps, and the first day school for example. This, however, is a movie blog, not a self help blog. 

   The first movie I ever saw was Bambi.  The irony is, now, I throughly enjoy eating venison.  It made an impression. In 1995, o went to my first movie at the theater without mu parents, and saw Batman Forever.  In 1998, I went to my favorite art house theater, for the first time, and watched Waking Ned Devine. Years later I would work there as a projectionist. I still attend movies, at this movie theater regularly.  In 2008, I attended my first retro program, at another theater. The double feature was The Dead Zone (1988) and The Brood (1979).  I immediately fell in love with this program, and attend the double features, in various classic programs that are played frequently.  In 2015, my regular theter opened.  Opening weekend I saw Steve Jobs, starring Michael Fassbender.  Come hell or high water, I attend the movies there every week.  My first R rated movie was Air Force One, which I saw at the second run, $1.50 theater.  Much like video rental stores, second run theaters with cheap tickets have been a casualty of streaming services.  Recently I had the thrill of attending a screening of Air Force One and a repertory showing, at the before mentioned retro program, as part of the double feature with Under Seige (1993).

     When I saw it, all those years ago, I was so excited to get to see my first grown up movie. I am sure I wanted to hear bad language, more then anything. I got to go see Han Solo run around a plane, and save the day.  In an R rated movie, what more could a preteen me ask for?  Because of this, Air Force One holds certain nostalgia for me.  Going to this specific screening excited me, for that reason.  

   Naturally, I I watched this movie in the years in between screenings. First on VHS, then on DVD.  Seeing it on the big screen, for the first time since that initial showing in the 90s, reminded me why I love going to the movies. It’s an experience that brings joy to my life. I can share it with others, friends, family, and strangers. I can experience emotion, like laughter, fright, excitement, and yes, after nights like tonight nostalgia.

    I have seen many R rated features since that initial screening back in the 90s, and love scene Air Force One once again in the theater.  

    Until next time, I will see you at the movies!