The Langoliers

[Black Suit]

I have recently watched this TV adaptation of King's novella and I was very intrigued..

The film does work.. in it's own way. Obviously, it's a great story with elements of mystery and supernatural forces and that's what drives this film and what makes it work..

The story begins with Flight #29 on it's way to Boston. During the flight, several passengers all awaken to find that the other passengers have dissappeared and left all of their personal belongings on the plane, aside from their bags and wallets, it is items such as a pacemaker and tooth fillings that add to the mystery.

A total of 10 passengers are left to discover that there is no one flying the plane and they appear to be flying over vast dark desert which is suppose to be a populated US city.

Once they are able to land they discover that the airport is abondoned. Aside from that, the world feels different. In this world, sounds make no echoes, food is tasteless, matches wont light and jetfuel won't burn.

And to top it off, they hear a constant noise which seems to be getting closer and closer..

The film has great performances by David Morse and especially by Bronson Pinchot as Mr. Toomey who delivers a very creepy performance as a businessman who's haunted by the abuse of his father.

I really liked the film but I felt as if it kinda fell flat on its face with special effects when they show the Langoliers. I know it made a long time ago and I expected the effects to be cheesy but damnn.. with today's CGI they can look alot more vicious.

I am convinced that a remake of this TV adaptation needs to be made and I am even considering penning a screenplay for it because it truly is an exceptional story that, if executed correctly, can be one of the greatest King adaptations..

but all in all, it was a decent film, kinda long.. but it was good. check it out if you haven't yet

[Jack Torrance]

Yeah, that was a good TV series. I think everyone was really disappointed with the effects. I remember laughing at them when it first came out....sadly.

[~Ally~]

Hi, i've never seen the film of the Langoliers...sounds like i've had a lucky escape.
This was the second book of Uncle Steve's i read (many years ago) and i am ashamed to say i can't remember it too well now, i know i enjoyed it at the time, so this will definitely be on my summer holidays re-read list.

[bopropadop]

Yeah, that was a good TV series. I think everyone was really disappointed with the effects. I remember laughing at them when it first came out....sadly.

I agree with you, Jack. I first heard The Langoliers on audio and then read the story. It isn't my favorite SK novella but it was good nonetheless and runs through my mind every time I board a plane. I was pleasantly surprised that the TV version followed the written word closely, not a frequent occurrence in the SK universe and most welcome when it happens.

Unfortunately, there was an obvious budget constraint that dramatically affected the overall presentation. Special effects? More like ordinary effects. All, as always, IMHO.

[Jojo87]

Langoliers was really good. The best part for me was when King show up. He played his role very good.

[coolambindang]

Yeah and how about Bronson Pinchot's great acting!!!(he said sarcastically).

[jackson992]

hey I thought all the acting was good. It was just the cinematography which sucked.

[tillyn]

Yup, kind of cheap that one. But at the time, it didn't seem so. Now i watch it and think , not so great. David Morse was damn good, always is.

[blunthead]

Despite a kind of B-movie look--the production was less than it could've been--I still really liked The Langoliers, and made a special effort to read the story, and then to buy the DVD. That's the difference sK makes.

[kingfanalaska09]

I liked the movie the that played Toomey was creepy it'd be interesting if it were remade for todays technolgy make those langoliers creepy looking