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ggallagher
Reviews
The Langoliers (1995)
Good premise, lousy movie
I remember hearing about "The Langoliers" 20+ years ago, but never saw it until it came on TV unexpectedly today (May, 2016). I felt I had to watch and almost from the beginning kept fighting the urge to turn it off. A plane lands at a deserted airport after hundreds on board disappear during the flight. What followed was one of, if not the, worst TV movies ever made. As tension started to build and "time" became the critical issue, EVERYONE seemed to have plenty of time to stop and then state the obvious, or kiss, or just stare at the horizon and basically waste "precious" time (which is funny seeing that time is what the film was basically about). However, like others here, the premise of the film was intriguing. That the past does not exist because it is destroyed and the future is empty as it awaits the coming of the present. I could go on about bad special effects, horrible dialogue, character stereotypes, etc., but give me a good episode of the Twilight Zone any day.
Here Comes the Boom (2012)
Surprisingly Entertaining
Kevin James is not one my favorite actors, and some of his other movie roles in the last few years have been corny, to say the least. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this film all the same. Despite some opportunities for over the top physical humor, he played it as realistically as possible with some truly funny moments and a Rocky-like ending. Lots of clichés here but in the main, a funny take on the age old underdog theme. Salma Hayek is passable as the female love interest and Henry Winkler does a good job of delivering the goofy one liners he seems to be doing in more and more film roles as he ages and leaves his Fonzy image far behind. Definitely worth a look.
Tom Dowd & the Language of Music (2003)
A great insight into the creative process
This documentary provides a wonderful insight into the recording business as it was in the early days when Tom Dowd established himself as one of the foremost recording engineers of our time. To learn that he passed away shortly after the film's completion is extremely sad, as he was a unique talent. He love for music comes through loud and clear in both his personal comments, and those of the myriad stars he committed to tape and wax. It is hard to believe that someone could remain at the top of his industry for a full half century, influencing multiple generations in the process. Anyone with an interest in music, recording, or production should enjoy this comprehensive look at Tom Dowd and his life.