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"The Hitcher" (1986) was one of those movies that was not quite a cult classic, but always had its fans, especially those who favor a well-made thriller. Part of the appeal may have been its moody atmosphere, orchestrated by cinematographer John Seale, who eventually went on to win an Oscar for "The English Patient." I’m not sure how many people were chomping at the bit for a remake, but you know Hollywood, it doesn’t need much of an excuse.
"The Hitcher" (2007), which opened at No. 4 last weekend, is unnecessarily grisly at times but, at under 90 minutes, it does have some moments. It reminded me of "Jurassic Park III": There were no prehistoric creatures, but it had a no-fat, thrill-a-minute feel.
The movie begins innocently enough with college sweethearts Jim (Zachary Knighton) and Grace (Sophia Bush, from TV’s "One Tree Hill") setting off for Lake Havasu City, Ariz., for spring break. They pass a scary-looking hitchhiker (Sean Bean) with car trouble and end up giving him a ride when he shows up at the next truck stop. Bad move, as he makes their lives a living hell.
There are certain movies where you have to leave your critic’s hat at the door and just enjoy the ride. This applies to everybody, because we’re all critics when you get right down to it. There are gaping holes in "The Hitcher’s" logic and the gore gets a little much, yet I liked the movie because it was old-fashioned fun.
I especially enjoyed the beginning. Many thrillers make the mistake of telegraphing from the start, but director Dave Meyers is careful not to tip his hand too soon. The first 10 minutes look like a romantic comedy, then things change real fast.
"The Hitcher" knows it’s not "Citizen Kane" and it’s perfectly OK with that. Although the phrase "nonstop roller coaster" has been abused, it perfectly applies here.
As far as this version being a cult classic — not likely. There are too many contrivances and a lot of gratuitous blood and guts. This is not Shakespeare, but even he liked to add some gore from time to time.
Bean ("Lord the Rings" trilogy, "National Treasure") is wonderfully menacing as the titular villain and Bush gives good scream.
"The Hitcher" will never be nominated for an Oscar, but moviegoers out for a scare should have a bloody good time.
The Hitcher
R
Two-and-a-half reels out of four
In area theaters now
Recommended rental
Flyboys
PG-13
Available Tuesday
One of the biggest bombs of the year, "Flyboys" cost $60 million and grossed less than $15 million domestically. It’s about the Lafayette Escadrille, a squadron of daring young American fighter pilots who flew for the French in World War I before their country joined the war.
Film buffs might recall a film in the late 1950s called "Lafayette Escadrille," which starred Tab Hunter and a young TV actor by the name of Clint Eastwood.
