Review of Joy Ride (2012) by Manny C — 02 Dec 2013

Joy Ride is chock full of B-movie jolts that isn't out to settle for what normally just placates audiences, especially in October of 2001. Perhaps then that's why its so under-appreciated. Director John Dahl (The Last Seduction, another under-rated gem) skillfully brings the surprises with this story of two brothers---college boy Lewis (Paul Walker) and slacker Fuller (Steve Zahn at his most Steve Zahn-iest)--taking a road trip from Berkeley, California to Boulder, Colorado so that Lewis can meet up with his girlfriend Venn (Leelee Sobieski).

Things get scary when the guys use a CB radio to prank a lonely unseen trucker known only as Rusty Nail. The joke backfires big time and from there Joy Ride becomes one-part Steven Spielberg's Duel and one-part Jeepers Creepers that adds up to an electrifying thriller that will leave your nerves fried.