Director: John Dahl
Starring: Paul Walker, Leelee Sobieski, Steve Zahn
Story rating: 2 1/2 discs (out of 4)
Story review: College boy Lewis Thomas (Paul Walker) is getting ready to go back east for the summer.
|
In a last-minute decision, he impulsively buys a used car and rushes to pick up his high school pal, Venna (Leelee Sobieski), in Colorado, so they can drive cross country together. How sweet. But before he gets to her, he takes a detour to see his brother, Fuller (Steve Zahn), who ends up coming along for the ride. Fuller, a wise-ass, starts making trouble the minute he gets in the car. First, he buys a CB radio and then cajoles Lewis into playing a prank on a trucker by pretending he’s a lonely woman looking for love. Big mistake. The trucker, “Rusty Nail,” whom we never see, is actually a psychopath who doesn’t take kindly to being tricked and starts terrorizing the boys, as well as Venna after she finally joins in on the fun. How will the gang ever manage to escape the clutches of a trucker gone mad? Two brothers end up taking a road trip into hell–except hell’s not nearly as scary as it could have been.–Kit Bowen, Hollywood.com
Features rating: 3 discs (out of 4)
Features review: Now this is what a horror movie DVD should have as extras!
There are three separate commentaries; one by director John Dahl, one by Steve Zahn and Leelee Sobieski, and one by writers Clay Tarver and J.J. Abrams. They all rock, but the best of the bunch is Zahn’s and Sobieski’s. You wouldn’t think they could or would be entertaining, but surprisingly there are some incredibly interesting factoids and funny zingers in the almost non-stop patter.
The deleted scene is illuminating, and–unlike most deleted scenes–worth seeing. It adds to the tenor and tension of that scene. (You’re just going to have to watch yourself; I’m not going to give it away.)
Another interesting extra is the voice auditions for the bad guy, Rusty Nail. (Eric Roberts is just so bad.) The “making of” featurette is routine, but necessary on any DVD these days.
The real joy of the DVD, however, is the four alternative endings. These are not just four minor variations on a theme–some of them completely retell the story and re-set the ending. It’s mind-blowing to see that what we think of the middle of the movie could have been used effectively as a final scene, and vice-versa.
Even better, there is worthwhile commentary available on those alternate endings! A true cinephile’s gold mine!
Bottom line: Fans of the thriller oeuvre should not miss this DVD! Joy Ride‘s story and appeal are only enhanced by this DVD’s quality extra features.
Special features list:
• Languages: English, French
• 4 Original, Shocking, Never-Been-Seen Alternate Enings (with Optional Commentary) That Will Blow Your Mind
• Commentary by Director John Dahl, Steve Zahn, Leelee Sobieski, and Writers Clay Tarver & J.J. Abrams
• Hear the Voice Auditions for the Film’s Creepy Unseen Villiain with the “More Than One Rusty Nail” Feature
• “Making Of” Featurette, Deleted Scene and More!
• Original theatrical trailer
