Air America (1990)
Director Roger Spottiswoode’s comedy film, Air America (1990), follows the story of Billy Covington, a helicopter pilot whose license was suspended for violating safety regulations. Despite his rebellious nature, Billy catches the attention of a government agent who recruits him to work for Air America – an allegedly civilian company that is actually a front for CIA operations in Laos. Once there, he meets the unconventional pilots and becomes close with Gene Ryack, a seasoned pilot who uses his official flights to buy illegal weapons for personal use. Gene plans to save enough money through this job to retire comfortably. However, their scheme is threatened when Senator Davenport arrives to investigate rumors of drug trafficking by Air America. The higher-ups at Air America, Major Lemond and Rob Diehl, take great efforts to conceal their illegal activities from the Senator during his tour of Laos.
While airdropping livestock in their C-123 cargo aircraft, brothers Billy and Jack Neely are shot down. The Pilatus PC-6 of General Soong arrives at the crash site, with his soldiers seizing the opportunity to take opium before leaving the Neely brothers behind. Fortunately, Gene and another pilot come to the rescue and safely transport them out of danger. However, their relief is short-lived as they are once again brought down and held captive by a tribe. In order to secure their release, Gene brokers a deal with the tribe for better weapons. When they return to Gene’s home, Billy is taken aback by the unexpected presence of Gene’s wife and children. As tensions rise due to disillusionment with U.S. actions in Laos, Gene urges Billy to leave his job behind, but Billy remains adamant on seeking revenge against General Soong.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Mel GibsonGene  Robert Downey Jr.Billy  Nancy TravisCorinne Landreaux  David Marshall GrantRob Diehl  Ken JenkinsMajor Donald Lemond  Lane SmithSenator Davenport |
Director Roger Spottiswoode’s comedy film, Air America (1990), follows the story of Billy Covington, a helicopter pilot whose license was suspended for violating safety regulations. Despite his rebellious nature, Billy catches the attention of a government agent who recruits him to work for Air America – an allegedly civilian company that is actually a front for CIA operations in Laos. Once there, he meets the unconventional pilots and becomes close with Gene Ryack, a seasoned pilot who uses his official flights to buy illegal weapons for personal use. Gene plans to save enough money through this job to retire comfortably. However, their scheme is threatened when Senator Davenport arrives to investigate rumors of drug trafficking by Air America. The higher-ups at Air America, Major Lemond and Rob Diehl, take great efforts to conceal their illegal activities from the Senator during his tour of Laos.
While airdropping livestock in their C-123 cargo aircraft, brothers Billy and Jack Neely are shot down. The Pilatus PC-6 of General Soong arrives at the crash site, with his soldiers seizing the opportunity to take opium before leaving the Neely brothers behind. Fortunately, Gene and another pilot come to the rescue and safely transport them out of danger. However, their relief is short-lived as they are once again brought down and held captive by a tribe. In order to secure their release, Gene brokers a deal with the tribe for better weapons. When they return to Gene’s home, Billy is taken aback by the unexpected presence of Gene’s wife and children. As tensions rise due to disillusionment with U.S. actions in Laos, Gene urges Billy to leave his job behind, but Billy remains adamant on seeking revenge against General Soong.
