subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Mon, Oct 13 2008 

Published: January 22, 2007 10:32 am    print this story   email this story   comment on this story  

"The Hitcher" hikes his way into theaters

Derek Frazier

It looks like remakes are here to stay.

What I had hoped would only be a temporary thing in Hollywood has turned itself into a genre. In addition to drama, comedy, suspense and horror, we can now add remake as well.

This time a lesser known 1980s flick was remade, and since I have never watched the original, the brand spanking new version of "The Hitcher" was a pretty decent movie. Sure, it may not move you like "The Pursuit of Happyness," but it will teach you never to pick up a hitchhiker.

Cute college couple Jim (Zachary Knighton) and Grace (Sophia Bush) are celebrating their spring break from a Texas college by driving to Lake Havasu to meet up with a few of Grace's friends for the usual week-long break filled with sun and fun.

As they travel in Jim's 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2, they run into a storm and nearly strike a stranger with car trouble along a deserted New Mexico highway. Shaken up by their near-fatal accident, Grace urges Jim to just forget about checking on the stranger and continue along their way.

Miles later, they stop to refuel at a lonely highway gas station, where they encounter the mysterious man they nearly killed earlier. Feeling a little bit guilty about the earlier incident, Jim agrees to give the man, John Ryder (Sean Bean), a ride to a nearby town 15 minutes away.

The trio make small talk while driving along the flat stretch of highway, until Jim and Grace slowly start to discover their new traveling partner isn't all he seems to be. After a quick physical fight with John, Jim and Grace manage to literally kick John out of the moving car.

The two oddly continue to make their way to their destination only to discover the next day, they haven't fully shaken their former passenger.

John stalks and taunts the couple along New Mexico highways by killing innocent travelers and framing them for the crimes. Soon Jim and Grace are pursued by cops and their spring break turns out to be anything but fun. However, John strikes again, leaving the couple vulnerable and leading them into the surprise of their lives.

"The Hitcher" will obviously attract those who are fans of the CW's "One Tree Hill" series since that's been Bush's star vehicle for the past four years, however the R rating will keep most teen audiences at bay.

Since I cannot compare it to the original (Which may be a good thing), "The Hitcher" serves as a relatively suspenseful film that offers up a few scares and twists sprinkled throughout. However, if you don't get that out of this movie, at least it will teach you to never stop for strangers.

"The Hitcher" is rated R for strong, bloody violence, terror and language. Runtime is 83 minutes.

print this story   email this story   comment on this story  

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.



monster
wheels
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Premium jobs

41471
Burger King now hiring part time & full time positions. Starting wage $7./hour. Day & evening shifts available. Apply in...>MORE

41747
ATOKA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL has opening for LEAD SURGICAL NURSE Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This posit...>MORE

#41657
Busy Law Office seeking Secretary Experience not required will trainSend reply to: File 220 c/o Ada Evening News,
P
...>MORE

#41117
Data Entry /Customer Service
Hiring for the 2009 tax season. Free training. Flexible hours. Premium pay. Many locat
...>MORE

41369
Licensed Practical Nurse, 6-2 & 2-10 Shifts. Jan Frances Care Center, 815 N. Country Club Rd., Ada, OK....>MORE

41780
BOOTHS AVAILABLE at well established salon. Must be OK State Cosmetology Board certified & have at least one year in-sal...>MORE

41417
Drivers: CDL-A Teams - Midwest Carrier! 46-82 Split Specialty Cargo! Plenty of Miles! 866-204-8006 Apply: www.randrtruck...>MORE

41667
Local Insurance Office looking for Customer Service Representative. Position requires good computer skills and ability t...>MORE

41749
The Town of Stratford is now accepting applications for the position of full time and part time Police Officers. Applica...>MORE

#41613
Now Hiring for: General Construction
for the Ada area. Also, Coalgate area starting at $10/hour
Apply at: 11
...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2008. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index