When I first saw this film a few years ago, I wasn't exactly impressed with it, but after a while I changed my mind and wanted to see it again. I recently obtained a videotape of the film and I'm so glad that I decided to give this film a second chance as it is a very enjoyable nail-biting thriller.
As I've said in other reviews, I think it's unfair how much flak Christopher Lambert gets as he is a capable actor and can carry a film. Ironically though, even though he has top-billing here, his character Jack is sidelined for most of the film. The focus instead is on the 'road killers' of the title: a bunch of worryingly crazy guys who drive around in a blue Cadillac. Craig Sheffer is excellent as Cliff, their leader, a psychopath of the highest order. One review I read said that Sheffer's performance was over the top. I certainly disagree as I think he is excellent in the role, making Cliff a fully rounded character. The other three members of his gang are all well-performed by their actors as well, particularly David Arquette as an idiot savant and Josh Brolin as the one of the gang whose conscience troubles him.
Lambert meanwhile just plays the character of Jack very well. He's an everyman thrown into a terrifying situation and who has to protect his family. I was annoyed that he didn't have more to do, but he handles the part very well. John Pyper-Ferguson is also enjoyable in an extended cameo as Cliff's big brother Hauser. But when the two have a confrontation, we realise how truly screwed-up their family was. I thought the film was a bit like THE HITCHER in a couple of respects. Maybe it isn't that much similar, but there are moments that reminded me of that Rutger Hauer film.
Anyway, Deran Sarafian and his brother Tedi (who wrote) have produced an excellent film here, and I strongly recommend it. Here's hoping a DVD release with director's commentary will come out somewhere down the road.
As I've said in other reviews, I think it's unfair how much flak Christopher Lambert gets as he is a capable actor and can carry a film. Ironically though, even though he has top-billing here, his character Jack is sidelined for most of the film. The focus instead is on the 'road killers' of the title: a bunch of worryingly crazy guys who drive around in a blue Cadillac. Craig Sheffer is excellent as Cliff, their leader, a psychopath of the highest order. One review I read said that Sheffer's performance was over the top. I certainly disagree as I think he is excellent in the role, making Cliff a fully rounded character. The other three members of his gang are all well-performed by their actors as well, particularly David Arquette as an idiot savant and Josh Brolin as the one of the gang whose conscience troubles him.
Lambert meanwhile just plays the character of Jack very well. He's an everyman thrown into a terrifying situation and who has to protect his family. I was annoyed that he didn't have more to do, but he handles the part very well. John Pyper-Ferguson is also enjoyable in an extended cameo as Cliff's big brother Hauser. But when the two have a confrontation, we realise how truly screwed-up their family was. I thought the film was a bit like THE HITCHER in a couple of respects. Maybe it isn't that much similar, but there are moments that reminded me of that Rutger Hauer film.
Anyway, Deran Sarafian and his brother Tedi (who wrote) have produced an excellent film here, and I strongly recommend it. Here's hoping a DVD release with director's commentary will come out somewhere down the road.