AllMovie

High above the Nevada desert, six jets soar, loop, and dive in tight formation. The Thunderbirds of the United States Air Force are the rock stars of the air show world, a team of combat-tested pilots called to awe and inspire crowds in the millions with their unforgettable aerial performances. From executive producers Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds embeds viewers with the 2023 team, gaining unprecedented access to cockpits and briefing rooms as they prepare for the annual certification of their acrobatic maneuvers — a grueling training process whose G-forces and near-miss patterns will take your breath away. The film follows Thunderbird 1 — Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott – a family man who gave up his dream of being an astronaut to build the best Thunderbird squadron in history, and who now has just 60 days to perfect the high-octane, high-risk maneuvers required to “fly like champions.” From intimate personal conversations to heart-stopping flight sequences at 1000 miles an hour, this documentary centers the brave men and women behind the throttle while never shying away from the brutal truth: Being a Thunderbird is dangerous, and putting service above self means you must be willing to pay the ultimate price. Step onto the runway and strap in tight — you’ve never been on a thrill ride like this before.