Review of The Philadelphia Experiment (1984) by Joe H — 02 Apr 2011

Watched this last night. It was an interesting movie. A little too dull for my taste, I was torn throughout most of it on whether I should finish it or quit and watch something else. But I stuck with it through to the end. Funnily enough, the main thing that kept my interest (for the most part) was the music. Eric Wannberg (who usually collaborates with John Williams as music editor) provided the score. And the thing I liked about it was that, as far as the action sequences were concerned, it was, what I would call, real music. Action-y music that had a tune, a good tempo, and the ability to pull you in and get your heart pumping (if I may be so cheesy). A number of times it actually seemed like he was attempting to emulate Jerry Goldsmith. One recurring theme even "borrows" a few notes from Rambo. And while he didn't succeed at the emulation (which, let's face it... no one can), the music was still pretty good (again, at least as far as the action sequences).

The movie really could have been a lot more up beat, I think, and less sluggish. And I didn't really feel that the two main character's realization/adaptation to 1984 was very believable..... or was it? See, now I find myself torn. Basically in the movie they are pretty much able to deduce that they are not still in 1943, based solely on how everything looks.... Which may actually be plausible.... The only thing is that as soon as it's confirmed, I guess I was expecting them to be a little more shocked, but almost immediately they are asking how World War II ended... which... since they are Naval officers who were serving in the war... may also be plausible...? Maybe... Maybe it really is more realistic to have the characters be able to deduce that they are in a different time period...? It's certainly a different take...

I dunno. Anyhoo, probably will never watch it again unless I'd like to fall asleep.