Movie: Joy Ride Synopsis: Three young people on a road trip from Colorado to New Jersey talk to a trucker on their CB radio, then must escape when he turns out to be a psychotic killer. Release Date: October 5, 2001 MPAA Rating: R Writer: J.J. Abrams and Clay Tarver Director: John Dahl Star Cast: Steve Zahn Paul Walker Leelee Sobieski What was supposed to be a fun ride cross country heading home while picking up his want to be girlfriend turns into a nightmare. Lewis played by Paul Walker trades his plane ticket in for a classic car that makes you wonder if it’s a Fast and Furious movie. On his way to pick up his want to be girlfriend Venna played by Leelee Sobieski he gets a call his brother is in jail. Lewis bails his brother Fuller played by Steve Zahn out of jail. On the way Fuller gets a CB radio installed into Lewis’ car and the horror ensues when Lewis and Fuller play a prank on truck driver Rusty Nail. Now Lewis, Fuller, and Venna must find a way to survive. The acting is amazing in this movie. Paul Walker and Steve Zahn have such a great chemistry on screen you would almost assume they really are brothers. Steve does a phenomenal job at being the goofy brother but the scene where they are being smashed against a tree by Rusty Nail he can also be serious and scared. Rusty Nail is played by Matthew Kimbrough but is awesomely voiced by Ted Levine. “Anybody out there know candy cane?”. The director John Dahl has really only done TV series since he directed Joy Ride. I will say that the camera angles and the overall direction of the film is nicely done. Filming and editing is very good and allows the movie have a smooth flow throughout the movie. The only thing I will say is they should have used the alternate ending where Rusty Nail dies. The movie has gone on to have two horrible sequels and I think the alternate is actually quite more catching. Let’s not forget though that J.J. Abrams wrote this! I mean I shouldn’t have to explain anymore than that! The music is fantastic in this movie. Listening to the music and sound effects adds an extra thrill and suspense to the movie. Go listen to the music by itself you will agree. If I went by the alternate ending I’d probably give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars. I’m going to go by the theatrical release and just little things that I could pick at I’m going to give it a 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely something worth checking out if your looking for a thrill ride or should I say a Joy Ride? Leave a comment and some pink champagne.
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