Cheesy ‘Turbulence’ A Horrible Horror Flick

Mon., Jan. 13, 1997

Jay Boyar The Orlando Sentinel

As you settle in for “Turbulence,” be sure to have your air-sickness bag handy.

You’re in for a bumpy - and junky - ride.

What at first appears to be an adventure film along the lines of “Die Hard” or “Speed” is really a cheesy horror flick about a homicidal maniac who terrorizes the crew and passengers on a 747 bound from New York to Los Angeles.

The movie is set on Christmas Eve. Right there, that tells you that the filmmakers were probably hoping to release “Turbulence” during the lucrative holiday season but that someone (the studio? the exhibitors?) may have lacked confidence in it.

The plot concerns Teri Halloran (Lauren Holly), a flight attendant on the plane in question. Among the passengers are two prisoners, the surly Stubbs (Brendan Gleeson) and the affable Weaver (Ray Liotta), the latter claiming to have been framed by an overzealous cop (Hector Elizondo).

Of course, something happens to the federal marshals who are supposed to be guarding the prisoners. And, of course, something happens to the pilot and co-pilot.

In the end, it’s up to Teri to defeat the maniac and bring the plane in for a landing.

“Turbulence” is one of the first - and, I’m hoping, worst - movies of the year.

There’s a whole lot of shooting, stabbing, choking, bleeding, shrieking and fighting going on here, as well as a certain amount of maniacal laughter. The stars, Holly (“Dumb and Dumber,” TV’s “Picket Fences”) and Liotta (“GoodFellas,” “Unforgettable”), do their best with material that is, to say the least, somewhat beneath their gifts.

Director Robert Butler (a TV guy) and screenwriter Jonathan Brett attempt an easy irony by juxtaposing their gruesome Christmas movie against “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the heartwarming seasonal classic that happens to be showing on the troubled flight. But that just made me think about how much I’d rather be watching that movie.

This one doesn’t fly.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: “TURBULENCE” Locations: Newport, Lincoln Heights and Coeur d’Alene Cinemas Credits: Directed by Robert Butler, starring Ray Liotta and Lauren Holly Running time: 1:50 Rating: R

This sidebar appeared with the story: “TURBULENCE” Locations: Newport, Lincoln Heights and Coeur d’Alene Cinemas Credits: Directed by Robert Butler, starring Ray Liotta and Lauren Holly Running time: 1:50 Rating: R

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