Okay, "Airport" (1970) - My Brain Is Still Taxiing...

So, last night we watched "Airport" (1970). I'd heard about it FOREVER, you know, the OG disaster movie, but wow. It's... something. First off, Burt Lancaster's character, Mel Bakersfield, is stressed. Like, majorly stressed. Snowstorm, stuck planes, his sister nagging him – I felt that in my soul. And Dean Martin being a cool pilot with a secret baby mama? Iconic. Loved him. The whole suicide bomber plot with Van Heflin? Dark. Like, unexpectedly dark for what's supposed to be a bit of campy fun. I kept expecting him to have a wacky villain mustache or something, but he was just...sad. Made it kind of messed up to watch, especially the scene where he's talking to his wife before getting on the plane. I guess the suspense was good, but it was heavy, man. Honestly, the special effects are...well, they're from 1970. Kinda charming in a 'we tried our best' sort of way. The best part for me was just watching Burt Lancaster being all intense and yelling at people. And Helen Hayes! What a QUEEN. Her whole bit about being a stowaway was hilarious. "I'm just a sweet old lady!" Classic. Overall, it's a weird mix of melodrama, disaster, and a surprising amount of melancholy. I don't know if I *loved* it, but it was definitely an experience? I think I need to watch "Airplane!" now to cleanse my palate, lol. Anyone else seen it? Thoughts?