1997’s Turbulence is another ‘90s big budget action thriller full of high concept aeronautical nonsense while being very Christmassy to boot, though it flopped pretty massively. Still, it’s lots of fun with Ray Liotta not so much chewing the scenery as swallowing it whole as manipulative psycho prisoner Ryan Weaver, being transported on a massive passenger plane to prison on Christmas Eve. What could go wrong? Lauren Holly is vulnerable flight attendant Terri who, when Weaver (SPOILER!) breaks free and takes over the plane, has to fight him off and land the damn thing before it crashes into Los Angeles.
This is ridiculous, store-your-brain-in-the-overhead-compartment stuff from director Robert Butler. I love that the plane is festooned with Christmas decorations, trees and everything, while the flight crew make the effort to wear little Santa hats - even though they’re transporting a couple of cold-hearted murderers. That’s festive dedication.
Liotta gleefully cranks the crazy up to 13, cackling maniacally, roaring about how he can’t wait to “fly this plane right up your fuckin ass!” and festively intimidating Teri by creepily singing a bit of “Deck the Halls”. Brilliant. Liotta goes full-force Nicolas Cage mega it turns into a right good laugh. Picture that “Ray Liotta in Goodfellas laughing” meme for a solid hour to get an idea of what this is like.
The titular crazy air trouble provides some cool stunts with bodies flying everywhere and the plane going upside down for a bit. They also crash through some tall buildings, including right through an oriental Christmas karaoke party. Festive.
Turbulence gets extra Christmas points for having the in-flight movie be It’s a Wonderful Life and having Weaver chat about while trying to smarm his way into Teri’s affections. It also gains mega bonus points for the bit where he cackles “I’m never flying this airline again!” Yes, this is dumb but very watchable cinematic mince.
Liotta’s magnificent mugging already has me in a pretty good mood, but I become ecstatic shortly after finishing this one when I find out that we’ve had a good offer on the house. Hallelujah! It looks like we might be moving after all!
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