The Hitcher Review - Off The Shelf Reviews
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- This week Gary and Iain review and discuss, The Hitcher (1986) by Director, Robert Harmon. Starring, C. Thomas Howell, Rutger Hauer and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
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Such an underrated movie, it sucks that barely anyone talks about it
By the end, its not hard to see Jim one day turning into John. Then one might ask, Was John like Jim at one point, and did some Hitcher many years ago torment and torture John in a similar way and that explain why John wants to die and wants Jim to do it, cause he found himself within the character of Jim. Like a form of passing on a "curse".
A horror/thriller classic. Rutger Hauer was one of the best actors of our time.
What a actor Rutger Hauer was .. one of my all time favourite actors, love this film along side blade runner 🖤 nostalgic indeed!
💯 % agreed!
I always kinda liked to think Rutger's character was trying to turn Jim into a new version of himself, to turn Jim into a cold-blooded murderer. Just an opinion.
Seeing this when it first came out I thought the same thing. Passing the torch.
Pretty much anything with Rutger Hauer as a villian is worth watching.
He is like Charles Dance, Alan Rickman, Brion James et al.
Can never resist a movie with Rutger Hauer! This was a super fun movie, lots of familiar faces too. 😄
escape from sobibor he is great in too
Fun Fact: The song "Riders on the Storm" by The Doors was inspired by a true story of a hitchhiker in the desert that killed a family after being picked up.
Art imitating life imitating art
That’s quite disturbing.
@@BarryHart-xo1oy this world is quite disturbing... this is why I've educated myself on how messed up this place is in order to stay alive as long as i have. 40 years and counting.
Rutger Hauer was an amazing actor. He just had a presence that exudes said "intensity".
I think Ryder was grooming Jim to be his successor the entire film.
16:05 Amazing kick C Thomas Howell
I like to think that this film is a sequel to Duel, this is what the killer does without his terrifying truck.
Thank you guys, here's to another year of quality from Off the Shelf. Cheers! 🍻
One more year of videos!! My life just got better.
I am so glad you pointed out how much the music and cinematography elevate this film- they work together splendidly. It makes the whole movie feel like a dream sequence. The remake didn't come close to capturing this vital element.
Thank you so much for doing this! This is an underrated masterpiece and one of my favorite films of all time. Christopher Nolan has actually cited it as one of his favorites too and I can kinda see that in the "hit me" scene in The Dark Knight
A severely misunderstood and underrated film about good vs evil. This is why directors need full creative control to allow the vision to be realized and help everyone understand the intentions. Honestly the movie wasn't as violent though a few scenes could have stood out. The best thing about this film was Rutger Hauer's performance as this mysterious evil entity that you question who he is but you never find out who or even why he is evil. And I still find C. Thomas Howell to be an underrated actor (Red Dawn, SEAL Team, voice of Professor Zoom)
Thanks for the review guys. Love how you review all different kind of films
My theory is Jack Ryder and his wife (and maybe kid/s) once picked up hitcher on the road and was given similar choice - kill him or he will kill his family. Jack didnt do it and hitcher brutally murdered his loved ones. After that life lesson Jack killed hitcher and also became unhinged hitchhiking serial murderer who kill people and seek death/someone like him to teach same lesson.
This I consider to be Rutger Hauer's best villain performance alongside Blade Runner (1982). This film is so much a thriller classic. C. Thomas Howell also does not get enough credit for his performance here.
BTW, another of Rutger's I'd love to see you review is Wanted-Dead Or Alive (1986), such an underrated one.
I feel like this film is analogous to OTSR, underrated, not known by enough people, but cult classic loved by many, with star performers. Great as always guys & happy new year.
i was 10 years old 87 and I can remember we would go over my grandparents house to watch videos as Vcrs were still quite a luxury and extremely expensive, so i distinctly recall The Hitcher was chosen by my grandmother at the video shop because she said Rutger Hauer was a fine gentleman that she would of liked to have married lol and when the whole family sat down and watched it I can remember my mother saying i dont think the kids should be watching this but my grandmother palming her off saying "oh its only bloody film they know its not real"
Remarkable film that I still remember to this day. It was poorly marketed, because I honestly believe if more people had known about it, they would have loved it.
Fun fact: there is a Korean film that is pretty much a re-work of The Hitcher named ‘Sae-yi yaeseu’ (Say Yes) made in 2001. If you can find the film it is worth a watch.
It works better that they took out the gore from the original script. I saw this around 89 or 90, when I was a pre-teen. I always loved the cinematography in this.
Yeah...imagine seeing Rutger Hauer first in Hobo With A Shotgun and 2nd in Blade Runner. PFFT! Who would do such a thing?
I was obsessed by this film in my teens. Watched it over and over and would quote lines...love so much about it. But overall it's the tone that got me. This quiet, naturalistic straddle between supernatural and human horror was so unusual in amongst so much schlock of the 80's. Surprisingly subtle performances, full of slow build scenes of dread; yet also fast paced. Lean and mean and sticks in the mind. My theory of what Ryder was up to? Hauer's character of evil uses this 'boy' to create himself in one who is good. The casting even offers the look of this paternal/child dynamic. He's trying to transform him into evil, into himself. Like in Fincher's Seven, he transforms him by the end and Howell becomes this calm cold-blooded killer fron an act of revenge. This makes for an archetype of projecting evil not as a threat but as a force of conversion; of good into evil. And that takes this film to another level for me. I guess, as you say, like the Thing, critics at the time couldn't get past the downbeat tone/gore to see the quality of the themes and characters of the film. And people expected schlock rather than this adult themed film. Hitchcock would've been proud. A classic.
Welcome back guys and the off-the-shelf the review family 👊
Hauer was cash money in Nighthawks as the villain as well. Stallone overload probably hurt that underrated classic that's well worth a watch. Stellar review as always guys.
whoa I just watched this for the first time a few months ago... incredibly underrated flick. And I can totally see Rutger Hauer's performance inspiring Heath Ledger's Joker
this is probably C Thomas Howell's best performance
AWESOME film. How C. Thomas Howell was not a bigger star baffles me. Rutger genuinely terrifying.
Totally agree Gary, it's without a doubt a cult classic, a gem of a film, I remember seeing it on TV late one night in the late 80's, probably on BBC 2 and was instantly hooked, it's intense. Noticed your opening credits are from the German release, der Highway Killer, this film deserves something like an Arrow Video blu-ray/4K release... It's a masterpiece of a movie!
Fun fact: the scene of Jim contemplating suicide in the middle of the desert, the sun breaks through the cloud's and C. Thomas Howell just rolled with it in his reaction, fantastic acting.
This is a truly beautiful yet incredibly sinister movie. It’s my fav horror. No other movie quite like it although many are similar ..Rutger Hauer blows my mind he was a phenomenal actor. Gorgeous too. The soundtrack is also one of the best I’ve heard. Mark Isham is brilliant.
Great acting performance from Rutger Hauer.
Thank you guys so much for this one!! I download this movie a week ago think about how much I loved this as a kid when it came out. I hadn't watched it yet and then this is the first video in my feed when I get to work. This movie is in my top 5 favorites of all time. Oh... and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Oh yes. Her death in this movie gets me every time. Great stuff as always gentlemen.
What a great movie. Favorite scene is when he whispers John’s name and John looks him in the eye through the one way mirror.
Fantastic review, this is one of my all time favourites of Hauer's along with Salute of the Jugger. Many happy hours watching Hauer's work on VHS as a kid. Great cinematography, soundtrack and atmosphere that drives the movie forward. I really like Harmon's other work too like Ike: Countdown to D-day and the Jesse Stone movies, he's a great atmospheric director. Great to see his work getting some love.
Hell yes. Thank you gentlemen for covering this movie. One of my favorites
Having been car jacked, been in this situation, followed by a fist fight and a Raiders style ride on the front bonnet which stopped when my dragged legs snapped forwards below the knee caps and I threw myself off the car… Well, it is really hard to think straight, and you do sometimes make odd choices.
This is one of my favourite films. The performance from rutger and the other lead Thomas as well as Jennifer I think are fantastic. It's really an underrated film. Have watched it a hundred times. Love your reviews
Terrance Stamp was originally wanted by the director I think also.
Great way to start the year off! The Hitcher is GREAT! Welcome back, Boys!
I love The Hitcher. This film was mistaken for a Cannon film but it was only distributed as they taken over Thorn EMI.
I believe the movie was initially distributed by Tri-Star Pictures.
@@dancersrhapsody3157 The Hitcher was an early HBO production which it was distributed domestically by Tri Star Pictures but internationally it was picked by Thorn EMI which was a pictures between the three film companies. When Cannon bought out Thorn EMI in 1986 they were briefly part of the Tri Star and HBO.
One of my top 3-5 movies ever. Love the unique mixture of horror, road movie and western.
I could have sworn when I saw it in the theatre in 1985 you got a teeny flash of a flesh sinews snapping mid body a millisecond after the shot of Leigh's hands being tugged through the chains..but, unless it was a super special NYC opening weekend extra gore cut I probably misremembered
Hell yeah, can't wait for the upcoming Second Sight 4K!
I've been going through some tough times in real life, tests and waiting for the results and what not. Your videos help a lot, thank you !
is a good movie indeed, the movie has great visuals but even if is over the top and sometimes makes no sense, it starts as something that can happen to you and you relate to the kid, and over time the movie increases in tension, it has a great atmosphere, but is because Hauer, he performs this charismatic yet scary villain, that makes the movie believable and interesting.
Starting the new year strong with a classic
After watching this review, all I can think about is the old Cadburys Fudge adverts.
Mmmmm....finger food
I want a reboot of this movie. Yeah, you heard me. Here's the pitch.
The truck driver from Duel (1971) picks up the character played here by Hauer. Hilarity and hijinks ensue.
Awesome review to kick off 2023 👊 Is Gary okay? A Mighty BOOSH reference in the intro 🤣 I though he wasn't a fan.
This movie stuck with me for quite a while after watching it. Aside from the story, it was very atmospheric and had such a unique vibe that trully added to the movie.
Happy new year boys, nice Mighty Boosh reference...I watched this a the pictures when it came out, me n my gf were 17...Great film...thanks for your nerdy double act...very entertaining...
Happy new years and here's wishing you both the best.
Also, please consider watching Deadfall with Michael Biehn and Nick Cage. It's a decent attempt at a noir, but Cage's performance is peak Cage and the band Snot did a great song of the same name that pretty much recounts the plot. It also looks like where a certain videogame-playing doctor got a lot of his character.
One of my all time favourite films, covered by one of my favourite channels! Can't go wrong can you? Thanks guys, Happy New Year and I hope you both had a wonderful Christmas!
30:00 According the script Jim give John a key to the cuffs when he takes his hand and spitts on him
Really?
Awesome review--really glad you guys are back and this was a great movie to start the new year with
Fantastic film, and great review guys! Wish you both happy 2023!
Rutger Hauer was a treasure...
I actually have an answer to that question, name a Sam Elliott movie, two answers but no one saw them, The Man who killed Hitler and also Bigfoot, as well as 'The Hero' they're truly excellent
This is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen I fucking love this movie and in my humble opinion this is rutger haurs best performance ever
Thanks, Gary! Thanks, Iain! Keep up the good work. :D
I always see this as the first part of a trilogy of road movies by Eric Red. With Near Dark and Cohen and Tate as the other 2 movies in the trilogy.
another awesome review of an awesome classic!!! great way to start the new year guys!
This film is so underrated. I saw it about 7 years ago and have never heard about.
I would love to see you guys do a review of Flesh + Blood which also stars Rutger and Jennifer even a Blade Runner re-union with Leon. It also was Paul Verhoeven’s first English film.
Great film, great discussion as always! Happy New Year!
I thought you might have disabled the thumbs up for this video, guys. You never know who you're going to pick up in the comments section. 👍🏻
23:10 - Kind of a sad co-incidence to have this scene where the helicopter falls out of the sky and crashes into the ground considering that Jennifer Jason Leigh's father, Vic Morrow was tragically killed in the infamous helicopter stunt-gone-wrong on the set of Twilight Zone: The Movie just three years prior.
shelf life!
this movie made me check my French fries for years!
A classic! Such a 80s hidden gem. I didn't mind the remake either.
Cheers my brothers! Lots of love from NZ 👊❤️
Love Rutger Hauer.
Gotta say I wish JJL had done some more of the type of scenes she did in Flesh+Blood though.
Great movie and review. Happy new year boys! Keep up the good work.
The Hitcher was NOT connected with Cannon Films. It was produced by HBO Pictures, not Cannon.
Well done, boys. Nothing like starting my morning in complete dread.
Great movie! Really needs a blu-ray or 4k release!
There was a remake in 2007, and there is a sequel "The Hitcher: I've been waiting" in 2003 C. Thomas Howell returns to reprise his role as Jim Halsey. I forgot to mention that they were RUBBISH lol
Rutger Hauer was f-ing amazing, in this movie and all others he ever was in!
Anyone who likes this movie should check out a short film by the same director, called China Lake (I think you can find it here on the tube), featuring Charles Napier as a John Ryder-y, psycho motorcycle cop👍
If I remember correctly, there was a longer adaptation of the short as well, called The China Lake Murders by some other director.
Not as good, but not bad either🙂
Goddamn it Ian, you immediately beat me to a Mighty Boosh reference! Dunno what to do with myself now 😢
Never seen this flick, but I’m intrigued
Watch it. It’s awesome!
In 2007 Michael Bay remade "The Hitcher"' giving a lead role to Sean Bean.
No, he didn’t.
new content = A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.
After this awesome review, I'd love to see one for Joy Ride (2001).
In all the antagonist Rutger Hauer played on film this character was the most evil to me
You guys are a gold mind of a channel for underrated movies and I love that 🤘😎🤘
I haven't seen this since it was new-ish! I'll have to check it out sometime!
if you dudes love Rutger Hauer, Blind Justice and Hobo With a Shotgun are must see. You guys should try the Kid Detective I think you'd be pleasantly surprised.
Completely unrelated but I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Evil Dead Rise red band trailer
Happy New Year Guys and thanks for your hard work & a great review of a great 1980's unsung classic to boot Cheers Boots and Flicks
Cannon films get a bad rap. They got some gems. My personal favorite is "Bloodsport"
Also *Turn up!*
You do realize that C.Thomas Howell was in Soul Man right about the same time he did this movie...
It's an ancient rite that young men used to go through wherein they must save themselves from disaster by the strength of their arm and the strength of their determination. Either you fail and die or else you thrive and have the time of your life dancing on the jaws of death and become empowered and confident in your own abilities, and trust in God to always get you out of anything. Then you have to face something extreme and you're like, "This is nothing!"
One of my fave movies. So underrated
have not seen this movie but halfway thru this review it sounds like the plot of High Tension, lol doubt it has that twist ending but would be amazing if it did.
Could Terrifier and Terrifier 2 be a review for the future
I saw this movie as a kid on USA one weekend and it thought it was so creepy .
Great review!
Brilliant VHS classic!