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Laramie Movie Scope:
Turbulence

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by Robert Roten, Film Critic
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January 12, 1997 -- The latest incarnation of "Airport" hit town with a carefree exuberance that's hard not to like.

"Turbulence" is a film that is similar to many of the "Airport" sequels and clones, but is different enough to make it interesting. It also has some similarities to slasher movies.

The plot is about a serial killer, Ryan Weaver (Ray Liotta) who, while on his way back to death row, gets loose on a jetliner. He plays a deadly game of cat and mouse with stewardess Terri Halloran (Lauren Holly).

While the story does include some of the misogyny characteristic of the slasher and action genres, it makes up for it with a very strong pair of women characters, Halloran ("Down Periscope"), and another stewardess, Maggie, played by Catherine Hicks ("Star Trek IV"). These two women look death in the eye and don't blink. They are as smart and tough and brave as most men would like to think they are. This is very unusual in this type of movie.

By making these characters strong, the battle to the death between them and Weaver becomes interesting. Liotta is very effective as the Ted Bundy-like killer with a death wish. He's smart, tough and crazy, a worthy opponent.

There are a number of factual problems in the film, like stopping explosive decompression with a briefcase and crashing the plane through buildings without damaging the landing gear, but if you are willing to suspend your disbelief, it is a wild ride.

Director Robert Butler, who has done mostly TV stuff until now, does a good job keeping this story moving along. It is also well-edited by John Duffy and the photography, by Lloyd Ahern II is effective. Most movies of this sort are shot too dark. While the movie wasn't believable, it was entertaining. It rates a C+.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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Copyright © 1997 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.
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Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at my last name at lariat dot org. [Mailer button: image of letter and envelope]

(If you e-mail me with a question about this or any other movie or review, please mention the name of the movie you are asking the question about, otherwise I may have no way of knowing which film you are referring to)