A fanatical terrorist group explode a nuclear missile over a Russian city. This perpetuates a chain reaction of ever-escalating retaliation that could lead to a total nuclear holocaust. It's up to the blinded, but still savvy president (a typically fine performance by Martin Landau) and B-52 bomber pilots Cassidy (the always strong and commanding Powers Boothe) and Moreau (well played with sensitivity by Rebecca De Mornay) to avert this catastrophe before it's too late.
Director Jack Sholder relates the gripping story at a brisk pace, ably crafts plenty of nerve-rattling tension, and maintains a tough gritty tone throughout. Bruce Gilbert's taut and smart script makes the chilling point that both basic human error and well programmed technology serving its purpose a bit too well combined together could easily bring about a nuclear apocalypse. The excellent acting by the tip-top cast keeps this picture humming: James Earl Jones as the no-nonsense Alice, Rip Torn as the hawkish Colonel Fargo, Darren McGavin as incompetent acting president Condor, Jeffrey DeMunn as the sensible Harpoon, Peter MacNicol as loyal aide Sedgwick, Nicolas Coster as ramrod General Redding, and Glenn Withrow as the unsettled Tyler. Alexander Gruszynski's slick cinematography provides an impressive polished look. An on the money nail-biter.
Director Jack Sholder relates the gripping story at a brisk pace, ably crafts plenty of nerve-rattling tension, and maintains a tough gritty tone throughout. Bruce Gilbert's taut and smart script makes the chilling point that both basic human error and well programmed technology serving its purpose a bit too well combined together could easily bring about a nuclear apocalypse. The excellent acting by the tip-top cast keeps this picture humming: James Earl Jones as the no-nonsense Alice, Rip Torn as the hawkish Colonel Fargo, Darren McGavin as incompetent acting president Condor, Jeffrey DeMunn as the sensible Harpoon, Peter MacNicol as loyal aide Sedgwick, Nicolas Coster as ramrod General Redding, and Glenn Withrow as the unsettled Tyler. Alexander Gruszynski's slick cinematography provides an impressive polished look. An on the money nail-biter.