Thirty-One Days O’Horror: Christine (1983)

Let’s Ride #31!

Happy Halloween! You’ve successfully made it to the FINAL day of Thirty-One Days O’Horror! For today, yours truly decided to take a quick look at the granddaddy of all killer car/highway horror films, 1983’s Christine! I can honestly say that this film is in the top ten of all of my favorite horror films. It’s definitely my favorite killer car flick, so let’s take a look at the movie!

Based upon Stephen King’s novel, the film tells the story of a 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine that develops a possessive relationship with anyone that owns her and takes care of her. The poor chap that purchases her in the movie is Arnie Cunningham, an insecure nerd who just started his senior year of high school. His best friend, Dennis, a popular jock who is protective of Arnie, tags along with him whenever he buys Christine from George Lebay, the brother of Christine’s previous deceased owner. Arnie takes Christine to a local do-it-yourself body shop and parks her there, where he begins bringing her back to life.

Christine is quickly restored, primarily by fixing herself, and Arnie’s confidence level and attitude go through the roof. He begins dating the beautiful new girl at school, Leigh. As their relationship grows stronger, Christine becomes jealous. A group of bullies that tormented Arnie are systematically murdered, as are a few other people that get into Christine’s way. This draws the attention of a local detective who is trying to uncover who is committing the murders in the town. The body count rises and Arnie descends into a deep relationship with Christine. What happens next? Watch Christine to find out the conclusion to the film.

This film is amazing. It takes the ludicrous idea of a possessive vehicle falling in love with its driver and murdering to protect the relationship and makes it work on the big screen. Kudos to director John Carpenter for taking Bill Phillips’ screenplay of King’s novel and making it ridiculously cool, funny, and emotionally draining all at the same time. The film features a great cast including Keith Gordon (Arnie), John Stockwell (Dennis), Alexandra Paul (Leigh), and Harry Dean Stanton as Detective Jenkins. Kelly Preston has a small role as Roseanne, a girl that has a crush on Dennis. Roberts Blossom, perhaps most recognized for portraying Mr. Marley in Home Alone, appears as George Lebay. Steven Tash, who Ghostbusters fans will recognize for his role as one of the students in Dr. Venkman’s parapsychology studies, also has a role in the film as one of Arnie’s bullies.

The story is bridged between a number of amazing action and practical effects scenes involving Christine. One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Arnie witnesses Christine repair herself. I also love the sequences involving a flaming Christine barreling down the road. The music is also amazing.

I won’t give away anything more about this film. Just go watch it if you have seen it yet. You will not regret watching this movie.

Thanks for checking out my post and Happy Halloween!