Let’s Ride #25!
Much like yesterday’s post, today’s review features a film that I became aware of just a few days ago. What’s really mind-boggling to me is the fact that this film features one of my favorite actresses, Kristy Swanson, and a ton of cameos from some pretty awesome people! Somehow it flew completely under my radar. The film I’m talking about is 1991’s Highway To Hell. The film stars Swanson, Chad Lowe, Patrick Bergin, CJ Graham, and Adam Storke. I’ll get to all of the cameos throughout the rest of my post.
Lowe and Swanson star as Charlie and Rachel, a young couple heading to Las Vegas to elope. Hoping to avoid anybody attempting to stop them from getting married, they take backroads and sleepy highways. When they stop for fuel at a gas station, the attendant (the legendary Richard Farnsworth) warns Charlie to not stop between two Joshua trees. Charlie does, however, when he is stopped by a police officer. The officer, Sgt. Bedlam (CJ Graham), is no ordinary policeman, however. He’s a cop from Hell (literally) who pulls over Charlie and Rachel so that he can take Rachel to Hell to be Satan’s newest plaything. Charlie rushes back to the gas station and the attendant, named Sam, gives him his classic car and a special shotgun. He then gives him special instructions to enter Hell between the two trees. Arriving in Hell, Charlie encounters a number of bizarre beings, most with ill intentions, that lead him to find Sgt. Bedlam and Rachel. He befriends Beezle (Bergin), a tow truck driver who “fixes” things in Hell, and continues his quest to save Rachel. Does Charlie succeed? You know what to do. Watch Highway To Hell!
The film looks like an episode of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse gone wrong. It has a very Tim Burton-esque feel to it and has often been compared to Beetlejuice. It features heavily stylized sets, stop-motion animation, and fanciful costumes and makeup. Directed by Ate de Jong (Drop Dead Fred) and written by Brian Helgeland (Mystic River, 976-EVIL, A Knight’s Tale), the movie features a bizarre cast of characters portrayed by Ben Stiller, his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and his sister, Amy Stiller. Hitler makes an appearance and is portrayed by Gilbert Gottfried. Lita Ford is simply breathtaking as a villainous hitchhiker. In his final film role before his untimely death, Kevin Peter Hall (Harry And The Hendersons, Predator) has a small role as Charon, the ferryman who brings the dead across the River Styx to the afterworld.
The film is bonkers. Somehow De Jong manages to keep a nice balance between absurdity and terror. Patrick Bergin does an excellent job as Beezle who, to no one’s suprise, is actually Satan, and the rest of the cast are amazing as well. The film features some excellent chase sequences between Charlie and Sgt. Bedlam in their vehicles as well. It’s a really fun ride and I definitely recommend it.
This movie may not be for everyone, but I definitely plan on getting my hands on a hard copy of it at some point in the near future. It’s a really fun film and I’m really glad that I’ve had the chance to watch it.
Thanks for checking out my review. Oh, and I’ve been in love with Kristy Swanson since I first saw her in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her twice and here’s my proof:
It’s okay. You can all be jealous!
Ken's Alternate Universe! 