Watch Final Approach

Final Approach is a 2007 action-thriller movie that follows disgraced Secret Service agent Jack Bender (played by Dean Cain) who is tasked with protecting the President of the United States (played by Anthony Michael Hall) during a flight from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. As the flight progresses, Bender discovers a plot to crash the plane and assassinate the President, putting his skills to the test to save himself and the President.

The movie opens with a short prologue showing the President of the United States giving a speech to a crowd. He emphasizes his commitment to the nation's security, both domestically and internationally. The scene soon cuts to the inside of a private jet, where President Douglas is accompanied by his entourage, including his Chief of Staff, his Press Secretary, his Secretary of Homeland Security, and his Assistant. Meanwhile, at the Secret Service headquarters, former agent Jack Bender shows a genuine interest in being reinstated into the Service, even though he was dishonorably discharged for disobeying orders.

Bender's dream of redemption comes when the Secret Service is tasked with protecting the President during his flight from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. Bender's old boss, Dan Bender (played by Ernie Hudson), approaches him, telling him that the President has personally requested his presence for the mission. Bender is happy to accept, and soon we see him boarding the plane with the rest of the President's staff.

As the plane takes off, Bender is already on the lookout for any sign of danger, and he is quick to prove his value by thwarting a potential bomb threat. However, he soon finds out that the real danger to the President and the other passengers is not coming from within the plane. From this point on, the movie becomes a race against time to identify the threat and prevent disaster.

The plot of the movie is not entirely original, but it is well executed. The tension between Bender and his old boss Dan adds some depth to the story, as well as the characterization of Bender as a conflicted hero who wants to make things right after his mistakes. The script also puts a lot of emphasis on the technical aspects of aviation, which makes the action scenes more credible.

The cast is solid, with Dean Cain delivering a convincing portrayal of Jack Bender. The role seems a perfect fit for him, given his experience in action movies, and he manages to convey Bender's determination, vulnerability, and sense of humor very well. Anthony Michael Hall, who plays the President, also gives an excellent performance. His character is a bit generic, but Hall brings a sense of authority and charisma that makes the audience believe in his leadership.

Ernie Hudson plays Dan Bender, Jack's old boss, and longtime rival. Hudson is excellent in the role, portraying Dan as a stern and tough-minded leader who is still capable of acknowledging Bender's skills. The dynamic between the two characters adds some interesting twists to the story.

The action scenes in Final Approach are well done, with a mix of hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and airborne action. The sequences are not particularly flashy, but they feel realistic, and they serve to advance the plot instead of being distractions. The climactic scene, in particular, is thrilling and heart-pounding, with Bender racing against time to disarm the threat and save the plane.

The cinematography is commendable, with some great aerial shots that capture the beauty of the sky and the danger of the situation. The use of lighting and camera angles during the action scenes also helps to create a sense of urgency and suspense.

Final Approach is not a groundbreaking movie, but it is a solid action-thriller that delivers what it promises. The performances are strong, the action is exciting, and the story is engaging. The movie combines elements of the Die Hard franchise and Air Force One, but it manages to stand on its own, thanks to its well-crafted characters and tense atmosphere. If you are a fan of action movies, Final Approach is definitely worth checking out.