In 1986 Robert Harmon and Eric Red delivered a thriller that has hung around the fringes of fandom for twenty years. In The Hitcher Jennifer Jason Leigh and C. Thomas Howell were terrorized by Rutger Hauer. Honestly, that is probably a frightening prospect even if Hauer is out of character! It has been such a long time since I have seen the movie and my memories are very, very weak, so I am thinking I should probably revisit it before heading out for the remake that is knocking on the doorstep. I wonder If I would be better served going with the direct to video sequel from a few years back with Jake Busey?
The Hitcher has been reimagined by music video director Dave Meyers (his sole film credit being Foolish (1999)), and writers Jake Wade Wall, of the abysmal When a Stranger Calls remake, and Eric Bernt, who was involved with Highlander: EndGame and Romeo Must Die. I cannot say that lineup has instilled me with much confidence, but some of the casting choices have lent me hope. In the role previously held by Hauer, insert one Sean Bean, an actor who is always solid and uplifts the material he is given. Add Neal McDonough, as the investigating police captain, and you are definitely heading in the right direction. Also switch out Leigh and Howell for the lovely Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill, Stay Alive) and Zachary Knighton as the stalked couple.
This version is being produced through Platinum Dunes, Michael Bay's production company. This involvement can go either way so far as I'm concerned. I liked the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake, but really did not like their take on The Amityville Horror (of course I didn't like the original either).
As for this trailer, it looks halfway decent. Nothing spectacular jumps out at me, but it doesn't strike me as being any better or worse than other horror trailers in recent years. There is a sameness that I can't quite put my finger on, a "been there, seen that" vibe emanates from it. I do admit to liking "I want you to say four little words....."
Rogue Pictures is planning to unleash The Hitcher on January 19, 2007 with an R rating. Be sure to get a load of the trailer, see if it is up to snuff.
Article comments
1 - Brad Schader
There is no purpose in this remake. The original was perfect. One must look beyond the names in the cast. Hauer is perfect as teh killer and C. Thomas actually plays his part perfect.
The entire thing about that movie is that no real violence or gore are shown. It is about the moments before things happen. These remakes are forgetting the horror aspect of these films and are going for the gore and torture. There is plenty in the story of the Hitcher, but what made the movie so great was how little they showed.
2 - Diana
Rutger is 'The Hitcher' - but if they had to go and make a 're'make' then I suppose Sean Bean could pull it off OK.
The saying of 'Don't mend what is not broken' springs to mind.
The original Hither is timeless - why not leave it alone.
3 - chosen lass
People who are too narrow minded to watch remakes of cult classics are folks who are resistant to change. It's been almost 30 years since the original came out and it's dated.
The Hitcher has a wonderful cast, especially Sean Bean cast as Ryder. His forte is playing sexy, baddie villians as "The Man You Love to Hate". An unsafe sex symbol who appeals to both men and women.
I can't wait until January 19th the USA release date! I like the fact that it won't have lots of gore, blood and gratuitious violence. This is a psychological thriller which freaks out the audience based on a character driven script and suspense, plot twists and freakin' scary stuff!
4 - izzy
I am looking forward to this film as well! I have some memory of the original--but plan on just seeing the new one this weekend. Cast looks great & I've also heard it is a psychological thriller (not some over-the-top gore flick). I doubt Bean would've signed on otherwise--he seems to make very calculated choices & is classically trained. I'm expecting this to be a good film--a smart movie--perfect date night material.
5 - Joshua
I really enjoyed the old one but I have to say the new film shoots more for the younger crowd but it was great... I cant seem to find a soundtrack list from the film though, the score was great except for the first song by the AAR.
6 - Maddy
i need to find out wats on that track! iive looked everywhere!
7 - chris
fucking nice movie damn good,never seen a better movie:)