Air America

Air America is an action-comedy film from 1990 directed by Roger Spottiswoode, starring Mel Gibson, Robert Downey Jr., and Nancy Travis. This intriguing cinematic experience is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and is loosely based on the real-life account of the CIA’s secret airline service. Hence, while the film is often humorous and exciting, it also offers an interesting, albeit fictional, look into a lesser-known corner of American military history.

In Air America, we meet Billy Covington (Robert Downey Jr.), an arrogant helicopter traffic pilot who manages to lose his job in Los Angeles due to flying recklessly. When he finds himself down-on-his-luck for work, a mysterious government official recruits him to join a covert airline operation known as Air America. This enterprise is run by the United States’ governmental agencies during the Vietnam War, making runs of both legitimate and illegitimate goods throughout Laos.

Cast opposite Downey Jr. we find Gene Ryack (Mel Gibson), a seasoned veteran pilot of Air America who, at first, stands in stark contrast to Billy's naive idealism. Ryack is a pragmatist who's adapted to thrive within the system, including its moral gray areas. Life is not just about surviving the war for him, but accumulating wealth, mostly by running covert side-deals involving arms sales. Despite their divergent viewpoints and initial misunderstandings, Covington and Ryack eventually develop a rocky camaraderie.

Nancy Travis, the single female lead, plays Corinne Landreaux, a humanitarian aid worker stationed in Laos, who gradually becomes Billy's love interest. Her presence adds another texture to the narrative, revealing the cupidity and deceit of the bureaucrats who ostensibly manage both the war and Air America's operations.

As Billy learns the ropes, he quickly begins to understand that the realities of this job come with danger and a myriad of ethical dilemmas, reflecting the complex truths of the Vietnam War era itself. Struggling with the systemic corruption, the trafficking of illegal goods, and the dangerous flying conditions, he strives to maintain his moral compass amidst the chaos. Nevertheless, Billy and his ragtag team of misfit pilots engage in numerous thrilling airborne action sequences that serve as the film's main appeal.

Director Roger Spottiswoode skillfully incorporates a diverse and vibrant soundtrack fitting of the era, which helps set the mood for the various scenes while also creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The cinematic aesthetic of the movie accurately depicts the 1960s Southeast Asia, complemented by awe-inspiring aerial shots captured over Thailand.

The strength of the movie lies in the dynamic between Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. Gibson’s seasoned, business-savvy Gene balances well against Downey's reckless, idealistic Billy. The movie is as much about their evolving dynamic as it is about the secret airline operation. Both actors infuse their distinct charisma into their characters, resulting in a compelling on-screen partnership.

While the film does touch upon the gravity of the Vietnam War and the murkiness of the political machinations surrounding it, Air America predominantly retains an action-comedy stance. It maneuvers between light-hearted banter and high-stakes action scenes, often exaggerating for comedic effect. At times, the film's unique blend of action, comedy, and a smattering of war-movie tropes can feel disjointed. Consequently, Air America might appeal strongly to some viewers while leaving others wanting more depth or more consistent tone.

However, above all, Air America is an engaging, energetic movie that has more than its fair share of breathtaking aerial stunts, thrilling chase sequences, witty dialogue, and memorable performances from its stars. The dizzying plot combined with the expressive humor offers audiences an entertaining exploration of an obscure slice of history.