Recommendation Challenge Day 1: Flying High with Air America
This buddy-comedy from the '90s documents a C.I.A's airliner, as it transports weapons and supplies during the Vietnam War.
I wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of Air America, but after reading this article I truly hope that you seek it out. Air America stars Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. - How can you go wrong with these guys?
The movie is adapted from a non-fiction book that chronicles the C.I.A's financing of an airline to transport weapons and supplies during the Vietnam War. Air America is toted as a light-hearted buddy-comedy, but it also faces themes of anti-war message, the opium trade and the general atmosphere around the Vietnam War.
Robert Downey Jr. is a helicopter traffic pilot, Billy Covington, who has his license suspended for breaking several safety regulations while on the job. His general disregard for the law as well as his piloting skills get noticed by a secretive government agency and he begins working for this agency flying shipments in an out of Laos. Billy takes the job and is introduced to the unorthodox pilots of Air America, specifically Mel Gibson's character, Gene Ryack. The story proceeds and both men learn something and build a comedic bond.
This movie is one of my favorite 90's comedies, and I think you may enjoy it too.
About the Creator
Matthew Bailey
Husband. Father. Gamer. Cinema Lover. Mix it all together, and there I am. I love all things pop-culture and coffee; but coffee is the best.
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