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A vintage Stephen King concept unfolds in Riding the Bullet:a college kid, circa 1970, must hitchhike a very long (and very dark) hundred miles to visit his hospitalized mother. The ghosts waiting for him along the way are either real or of his own mind (which seems to be a dark place itself). As a King short story, this might have been a usefully frightening premise, but it's almost entirely literary; on screen, it boils down to a guy walking down a road at night. Jonathan Jackson is suitably tortured in the lead role (or roles--he frequently appears double on screen, arguing with himself), but the movie is stolen by David Arquette, rocking it up as a '50s greaser who died in a car crash years earlier. Barbara Hershey and Erika Christensen are wasted in support. There's a strain to make the Woodstock-era setting relevant, but this doesn't seem to have a great deal to do with the private demons of the protagonist. (And if you're going to set it in 1970, how hard is it to catch dialogue anachronisms?) Director Mick Garris is a longtime King conduit (The Stand), but this one is misconceived from the start. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (20)

It's all in your head buddy!
Over the last 3 decades a large number of Stephen King’s novels have been adapted to the big screen, movies of which King himself has been known to be a harsh critic of.So I was intrigued when I read a King blurb on the box saying he thought it was the best movie adaptation of his work since Stand by me.Don’t believe it.Obviously King is well placed to analyze movies based on his works but I have often found myself disagreeing with his assessments.King, remember, was utterly disgusted by the original film adaptation of The Shining.I don’t know about you, but I (along with many critics of the horror genre) consider Stanley Kubrick’s movie to be an absolute classic of the genre, one of the top 20 horror films of all time.As for Ride the Bullet?It’s a mildly amusing film but ultimately a forgettable one.I would really like for King to elaborate on what he thinks is so great about this film.

The story takes place in Maine, 1969.University of Maine student Alan Parker is a lost soul in search of direction, a misunderstood artist whose paintings about death and decay draw the ire of his art teacher and whose unpredictable mood changes draw the ire of his girlfriend.Obsessed with death, Allan hits rock bottom after a botched suicide attempt.But after receiving a phone call informing him that his mother is in a hospital in severe condition after a stroke, Allan puts his melancholy on hold and hitchhikes to Lewiston in order to go see his mom.On the road there, he encounters a wide array of abnormities such as talking birds, a rabid dog, crazy drivers, crazy rednecks and DEATH himself.Some of this is real but a lot of it is just in Allan’s head.But no matter how weird the encounters and how dangerous the obstacles get, Allan won’t let anything get in the way of his ultimate goal: reaching his mother in Lewistown.

The concept sounds really neat but as is usually the case with b-movies, Riding the Bullet falls prey to both its low-budget trappings and shoddy execution.I found the constant flashbacks, headtrips and Allan’s discussions with his alter-ego ghost (that only he sees) to make for a confusing and shall I say rather self-indulgent experience.The problem is that since we know that Allan is crazy in the head and imagining most of these things anyway, these suspense scenes feel, well, rather non-threatening.That is usually the case with films like these.If it’s all in the characters’ heads and you know it’s not really there, why should you be scared of it?Still, I must concede that Riding the Bullet is a mildly amusing film.There are several exciting scenes of suspense, the hitchhiking concept makes for a suspenseful ride and the performances of most of the actors are commendable especially from lead actor Jonathan Jackson and also David Arquette in a deliciously creepy and over-the-top performance.I think fans of King’s later works such as Hearts in Atlantis would especially like it.Others looking for horror might be disappointed.

A goffy horror comedy
In "Riding the Bullet", a young college student (Jonathon Jackson) in 1969 recives bad news about his mom (Barbara Hershey) and begins hitchhiking home to be with her in the hospital.Along the way he meets several strange, spooky people and several pieces of road kill (from animal to human).Finally he accepts a ride from a strange drifter (David Arquette) and is given a very dire choice.Fans of Stephen King know this is based on his direct for intenet short story.But they probably weren't expecting this excesise in hero worship from the film's director, long time King collaberator Mick Garris.There are way too many references to King's earlier works; Gage Creed from "Pet Semetary", Arquette is driving a 1958 Plymoth Fury ("Christine"); a guy says that he'll just keep shine on ("The Shinning").Also it tries to hard to be a period piece, dipping a bit to hard about Woodstock, Vietnam protests, ect.Another thing I wasn't too keen on was the level of humor in the film.Eventually the kid's hallucinations become too jokey.I mean, at one point the kid is trying to commit suicide, and he imagines the Grim Reaper coming in the bathroom and smoking a joint with him.That was when I stopped taking the film seriously.Well, I hope you guys enjoy it better than I did.

Heck, I like it!
3.7 stars

Fun is fun and done is done.

This movie is for you if you sorta like weird, ridiculous, creepy film that isbordering on bad. I was not sure if the boy in the movie was having a spiritual journey, taking hallucogenic drugs, or having schizophrenic symtoms, LOL. Or maybe it's just a simple ghost story with a plot? Or maybe it's a well-executed movie with a quite memorable message? You decide!

I don't know much about who made this movie.. but it sure has a look of a low budget film [not necessarily in a bad way though] and it reminds you a bit of those 80's horrors. The acting is pretty good, especially coming from an actor I've never seen before. The plot is Stephen King so what's not to like. Script, editing, cinematography, effects and such are mediocre at best, I guess.

In short, not a great movie but I really like it. I think you need to have a high tolerance for the ridiculous to enjoy this movie though.

Pretty good
I thought this was a good movie overall.Is it going to win any Academy Awards?No.But, it was still entertaining.I haven't read the e-book, so I was unsure as to what was going to happen in the film.While the movie did get slow at parts, it kept me wondering what was going to happen.It's not a scary movie, more weird and creepy than anything else.Recommended for those that have enjoyed other Stephen King films such as "The Night Flier"

Riding the bullet
This movie started getting semi interesting when David Arquette came on.Sadly, that was almost an hour in and he couldn't save it.I was so bored I kept falling asleep and it wasn't the casts fault, the movie was simply not interesting enough to keep my attention. ... Read more

Reviews (96)

One notch better than expected, but I expected Crap!
I'd give it one star, but the ending was pretty cool - both the original and the alternate ending. I agree with some of the others that the alternate ending would have made it a little more interesting - kind of a "was it real or not?" ending - versus the "Yes, it WAS real." Though like I said, the original ending is pretty cool too.

Problem with the movie is everything leading up TO the ending. The lead actress is the most boring I've ever endured. Good horror films need STRONG female leads! She's simply there.

The "off-the-characters-one-at-a-time" proceedings are routine and mundane - eliciting more sighs than screams. The effects are good - the sound is good. There are some good "cheap" jumps - but still pretty [poor] overall.

Worst of all - this is NOT a Wes Craven film. This is one of those "We're pasting on the name of some famous guy so people will think he was involved" kind of things. His name is in the title, but he neither wrote, nor produced, nor directed. As far as I can tell, he had nothing to do with it but to allow his name to be put in the title (that he would attach his name to this at all is an insult to his own standard of judgment).

If you want something SCARRIER than this - rent and ELMO movie or something - not this dreck!

They offers some good scares
They is one of the better horror movies to come in recent years as it offers up some real frightening moments. While the writing is predictable and the acting is atrocious, overall none of this matters when a film can make you jump out of your seat, or make you slouch in your chair clutching the person next to you. Laura Regan plays a young woman whos night terrors are coming true terrorizing her and her friends. Shre spends the movie trying to get away from "they" and try to convince everyone that shes not crazy. We never actually get to see who "They" are but it makes it all the more intriguing as the director gives flashes of the type of creature "they" could be, and he creates a drab, eerie atmosphere that adds to the horror of the film. The ending by far is the most shocking. While it cannot compare with endings like The Sixth Sense and The Others, it has an ending you, or at least, I did not expect. Something rarely done in horror movies that is worth seeing this film alone.

They
It starts out slow. When it becomes a bit interesting, the whole plot gives way to basic chase. Scenes with no depth, and why don't these people carry a flash light. Use a flash light don't blow your brains out. I've seen a lot worse. But the chases are so unorignal the creature could have been Jason.

Wes Craven Presents "They" OK
A good movie, coulda been a lot worse. Good plot but, I think that it would have been more effective if Wes Craven would have wrote and directed it though.

PLEASE EXPLAIN!
If you know that there are creatures out there that lurk in the dark and want to kill you, why not just take up residence in the lighting department at Lowe's? Honestly, I couldn't enjoy this movie because it seemed like the characters were neglecting the most basic self-protection. Me, I'd buy a generator, candles, battery-operated lanterns, etc.
Other than that, the movie is OK. The alternate ending on the DVD would also have made this a better film. ... Read more

Description

A 10-year-old boy whose father is running an illegal whaling operation is caught in a dilemma when Willy and his pod are threatened. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Not as Good has the first 2,but still a great movie
I found this Free Willy the worst out of the series, not because the movie was bad,it was good but there was some parts in this movie that peaple didnt like.The little kid kinda messed up the bond between Willy and Jesse.But this was still a great movie,what an ending this movie had,Willy becomes a daddy, shocking ending to a great series.

Bad Ending to a Great Series
Ok, this was a great movie, as all the Free Willy movies were, it is just unfortunate that they didn't know this would be the last. If they knew, I'm sure it would have been so much better. I loved the Free Willy series, and when I learned they lost their budget and there would be no more, I look at the ending of Free Willy 3 and think, "This great series is over for eternity, and the last lines were, "Well I think we should call him Max" ?". Truly unfortunate. Anyways, this flick is aimed at an older audience. There are unsuitable features in this one, unsuitable for young ones, but makes the older ones happy.

They Replaced Jessie
I liked this movie but they replaced Jessie. They had This 10 year old kind of come in and try to be the hero. I mean what was so special about the first too movies is that Jessie was the only one Willy trusted and then they had this ten year old come in and all of the sudden he and Willy were special friends. They should have left it alone with that special friendship between Willy and Jessie.

4 stars
Good movie, but not in widescreen format as advertised.

ZERO STARZ!
This movie blew it. We thought the could make up in the next film, but nnnnnnooooooo! I don't want to tell you the plot because it hurts me. This film is not for kids. Killing whales, bar fights, and pranks is why 9/11 happened! ... Read more

Description

Loaded with nonstop action -- this thrilling, high-powered motion picture stars Michael Dudikoff (RINGMASTER, AMERICAN NINJA 2)! Dudikoff is a bounty hunter who forms an uneasy partnership with a rival to capture a fugitive. But the hunters soon discover that the crook is also the man the mob most wants dead! Ready to battle anyone in their way, these hard-hitting bounty hunters won't quit until they've brought in their man ... and brought down the mob! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

okay movie, but not one of Michael Dudikoff's better movies.
Michael Dudikoff's acting was alot less 'stiff' than his earlier movies; showed more humor, but the character "BB" could have been played by someone better. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

THIS IS A BORING MOVIE
AN EX-CON [STEPHEN BALDWIN] HELPS THE POLICE GO AFTER A SERIAL BOMBER. HAS A COUPLE OF GOOD ACTORS IN ITS CAST, BUT THE STORY IS POORLY PACED AND THE SCRIPT IS WEAK. NOT TO MENTION, THE ACTION SCENES ARE ALSO BAD. THIS MOVIE IS A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. THIS MOVIE AIN'T NO BETTER OR DIFFERENT THAN ANY OF THE OTHER DIRECT TO VIDEO ACTION MOVIES THAT YOU'LL SEE IN THE ACTION SECTION OF YOUR LOCAL VIDEO STORE.

not too bad
This movie reminded me of the movie "Speed". It wasn't anything real exciting, but it wasn't too bad. ... Read more

Description

An ex-cop discovers that her own brother is a serial killer that she failed to capture years earlier. Brother's Keeper will keep you guessing until the bitter end. A tense thriller mixing elements of Silence of The Lambs, Seven and "CSI". Jeanne Tripplehorn (Basic Instinct, The Firm, Mickey Blue Eyes, Waterworld) Evan Dexter Parke (Planet of the Apes, The Replacements, Cider House Rules) Leland Orser (Pearl Harbor, The Bone Collector, Saving Private Ryan) Corin Nemec (TV's "Parker Lewis", "Stargate SG-1") ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"a brother is born for adversity"
Stunningly bad drama that I suggest you do not bother to waste your time with.

Lucinda Pond had overcome an abusive childhood with her single parent father. She became a successful Police officer, and used no small amount of her time protecting her baby brother Ellis from the repercussions of his petty crime, a habit developed from her taking care of him during their childhood.

Lucinda's world came apart when she led a "ruby-ridge" style raid that leads to the death of an innocent man rather than the serial killer she was trying to capture. She leaves the force, takes up drinking, and abandons her husband and child.

Almost four years later some one is copycatting those murders and Lucinda is brought back onto the force against her will to help track down the killer. In no time it all she figures out that it is her wayward Brother, Ellis. She also realizes that this is another of the many games and puzzles that the two siblings shared growing up. He leaves her clues and she is to use their common history to decipher them and hunt him down. Ellis's goal is to "free" her from having to protect him by killing so very many people that Lucinda will be forced to kill him. A plan she does not intend to follow through on.

As the bodies and the clues mount, Lucida is forced into a confrontation with Ellis and a choice that only she can make.

Now, I like movies about siblings who are forced into murderous situations with each other as much as the next person, BUT this movie was just a waste of time.
There was NO suspense. There was no emotional involvement with any of the characters and honestly you could pretty much see exactly where everything was heading from about 15 minutes into the movie.

My only regret is that I didn't have enough sense to turn the VCR off at that moment and just take the tape back. My advice to you is to not even bother to get the tape in the first place.

Blame it on Dad...
Brother's Keeper is a made for cable TV production for the USA Network. Jeanne Tripplehorn is Lucinda Pond, a former member of the Portland Police, with a number of personal issues. An incident where an innocent man is killed by mistake, causes her leave the force. But she is drawn back to help in an investigation of a series of brutal murders, in which her brother is the prime suspect.

Tripplehorn is believable, as a ragged, close to burned out cop, forced back to reality by the need to bring her brother Ellis (Corin Nemec) to justice. The build up of Ellis, as a criminal mastermind, is a bit overdone, though there is no doubt that he is capable of some extremely gruesome acts. The violence is toned down for TV, and the mayhem is hardly shown, only the grim results. All this carnage, is the result of a troubled childhood, and an abusive father. Very convenient.

Using her insight, Detective Pond is convinced that her brother is "trying to tell her something" with his acts. She must operate with a FBI agent (Evan Dexter Parke) who is not quite convinced she belongs on the investigative team. He becomes her partner for a showdown in the woods with Ellis.

Veteran director, John Badham (Point of No Return) handles matters capably. Brother's Keeper does not have a lot of tension or suspense, and it saves what little action there is until the end. The cost may be a little steep, for a TV type thriller that does not rise very far above average. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

TROUBLE RUNS IN THE FAMILY
WES IS A BED MAN ON THE RUN AND NOW HIS LUCK IS OUT. CHASED BY THE POLICE AND TOTALLY BROKE, HE IS FORCED TO SEEK REFUSE AT THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH - HOME. BUT WITH HIS MOTHER DEAD, YOUNGER BROTHER CLIFF IS THE ONLY FAMILY LEFT. SO WES AND HIS BLONDE GIRLFRIEND RUBY TAKE SHELTER IN SUBURBIA, CRASHING CLIFF'S SAFE LITTLE WORLD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

okay movie, but not one of Michael Dudikoff's better movies.
Michael Dudikoff's acting was alot less 'stiff' than his earlier movies; showed more humor, but the character "BB" could have been played by someone better. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

THIS IS A BORING MOVIE
AN EX-CON [STEPHEN BALDWIN] HELPS THE POLICE GO AFTER A SERIAL BOMBER. HAS A COUPLE OF GOOD ACTORS IN ITS CAST, BUT THE STORY IS POORLY PACED AND THE SCRIPT IS WEAK. NOT TO MENTION, THE ACTION SCENES ARE ALSO BAD. THIS MOVIE IS A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. THIS MOVIE AIN'T NO BETTER OR DIFFERENT THAN ANY OF THE OTHER DIRECT TO VIDEO ACTION MOVIES THAT YOU'LL SEE IN THE ACTION SECTION OF YOUR LOCAL VIDEO STORE.

not too bad
This movie reminded me of the movie "Speed". It wasn't anything real exciting, but it wasn't too bad. ... Read more