Con Air (1997)

I’ve been on an absolute Jerry Bruckheimer tear the last couple weeks, and after binging his entire catalog consecutively, the formula is crystal clear: you need a kind, weird, misunderstood white guy who gets prosecuted and becomes the underdog. But he’s also secretly a terminator who’s incredibly smart, funny, strong, and ultimately wins the day in the most patriotic way possible. Every. Single. Time.

Con Air is probably the Bruckheimer movie I’ve seen the most, and it’s wild that Nicolas Cage became the vehicle for this formula before it eventually evolved into Johnny Depp. I can see the progression from The Rock, but it’s still just… weird, you know?

These movies have an air of sexism and racism that they absolutely think they don’t have. Some jokes and moments haven’t aged well at all, but that comes with the territory of 90s action movies. And yet - god damn it - I still have such a sweet spot for this stupid, fun movie. The entire cast is clearly having an absolute blast hanging out in that weird airplane set, and I love that for them.

Does it feel like copaganda and military propaganda? Absolutely. Do I still love how stupid this movie is? Also absolutely.

Revisiting 90s action cinema hits different now. You can see all the seams in the filmmaking that were invisible as a kid, but the practical stunt work still rules and real explosions remain the best special effect anyone can have. John Cusack just being himself, Chappelle being funny while clearly reading a script written by a white man for a Black man, and Nicolas Cage with those incredible wigs as always.

Cage’s character is one of the most admirable misunderstood men in cinematic history. I literally do not know a single person who would make the choices he makes throughout this movie - but you know what? It works out for him.

I had the pleasure of seeing this on 35mm with a screening full of adoring Cage fans, and let me just say: it was a blast. I love this movie. I think it’s four stars. I don’t think it’s good. But still - four stars.

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