Sometimes you get a teen movie. Sometimes, you get a movie about teenagers. The aforementioned, uses attractive stars in extreme circumstances (whether it be shocker or soaper or gross out). The latter, usually better, uses realistic characters and observes attitudes, plights, situations, etc. surrounding teenagers. Something like "Welcome to the Dollhouse." But on occasion, you get a teen movie that rises above the rest.
"Joy Ride" is one of them. It's a solid shocker that doesn't require a low score on an aptitude test for enjoyment. It doesn't substitute body count for suspense and tapped into some effective key fears. Such as, no matter where you go, your pursuer is always one step behind you. (See "Night of the Hunter). Also in doing this, they didn't go too far in trying to explain it. Sometimes, these things seem more plausible if you're given less information. Good use of atmosphere: corn field, gas station and bookend sleazy hotel showdowns. It was also better to leave the trucker's face unseen. We know he's a freak, but our imaginations creating the freak makes him that much scarier.
It would have benefited, though, from the exclusion of several clichés. Such as: not running off to the side when that's obviously your best bet and the ending that, most disappointingly, tossed in a sequel set-up. These things are too bad, but that's only two strikes.
Adequate performances and the surprise that this movie isn't nearly as bad as you'd expect make this a pleasant once-through.
"Joy Ride" is one of them. It's a solid shocker that doesn't require a low score on an aptitude test for enjoyment. It doesn't substitute body count for suspense and tapped into some effective key fears. Such as, no matter where you go, your pursuer is always one step behind you. (See "Night of the Hunter). Also in doing this, they didn't go too far in trying to explain it. Sometimes, these things seem more plausible if you're given less information. Good use of atmosphere: corn field, gas station and bookend sleazy hotel showdowns. It was also better to leave the trucker's face unseen. We know he's a freak, but our imaginations creating the freak makes him that much scarier.
It would have benefited, though, from the exclusion of several clichés. Such as: not running off to the side when that's obviously your best bet and the ending that, most disappointingly, tossed in a sequel set-up. These things are too bad, but that's only two strikes.
Adequate performances and the surprise that this movie isn't nearly as bad as you'd expect make this a pleasant once-through.