Director – Mike Marvin (Hamburger: The Motion Picture, Sunstorm)
Starring – Charlie Sheen (Red Dawn, Amazing Stories), Nick Cassavetes (Assault of the Killer Bimbos, Quantum Leap), and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks, Thrashin’)
Release Date – 1986
Rating – 3.5/5
Blu Release – 4/5
When I was in high school I made friends with a few guys that liked horror as much as me along with someone who mostly liked the same type as music as us but wasn’t so much interested in the movies. However, there was one horror film that he went on and on about. He was a car guy and would always beg us to find The Wraith for him so he could watch it.
We snagged a DVD, that I still have to this day, finally watched it. While most of my friends were not impressed with it I found myself loving it. I’m not a car guy but this cheesfest was an absolute blast. It’s been years since I’ve seen it and when Vestron Video announced a blu release of the film I was absolutely ready to revisit it and upgrade my copy.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows Jake (Sheen) who is new in town and finds himself fascinated with local hottie Keri (Fenn). However, Keri is off limits because locally goon Packard (Cassacetes) has laid claim to her. Packard will do anything to make her his even if it means kill any guy that stands in his way. Packard is also the leader of a car gang that forces men to race for slips. Shortly after Jake’s appearance a mysterious man appears in an all black car and starts racing the gang one by one resulting in their deaths. Soon Packard is left to face the wraith in the car alone and confronting the man he murdered sometime ago. **Spoiler Alert**
The Wraith is an unconventional slasher that fucking works. Sure, some horror fans will bitch and complain about it but as someone who doesn’t have a stick up my ass I believe this is one of the most original and unique slashers ever made.
The acting in this one is fun but I found it to be a little uneven. Sheen, Fenn, and the rest of the cast does a solid job. Their characters are rather generic but they are fun and work great with the film. I really enjoyed the casting in this one but Cassavetes and Clint Howard steal every scene they are in. Their character stood out from the rest and offered some great entertainment value.
The story for this one is basically a classic slasher underneath the street racing theme. We get someone that was wronged who comes back to seek revenge against those that wronged him. We then add the Dodge concept car that kills people and you have The Wraith. It’s fun and cheesy as fuck at times. It does drag in a few place but the action scenes more than make up for it.
Finally, don’t expect blood and gore. We get a little bit of make-up effects and tons of explosions. The red stuff was replaced with flames and fumes. Overall, The Wraith is a great mid-80s horror/action hybrid that may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I enjoy it. The release from Vestron looks great as well. If you have not seen this one then I highly suggest picking up this release.
Special Features:
Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Mike Marvin
Audio Commentary with Actors Dave Sherrill and Jamie Bozian
“Tales from the Desert” — An Interview with Writer-Director Mike Marvin
“Rughead Speaks!” — An Interview with Actor Clint Howard
“Ride of the Future” — Interviews with Stunt Coordinator Buddy Joe Hooker and Transportation Coordinator Gary Hellerstein
“The Ghost Car” — Interviews with Visual Effects Producer Peter Kuran and Effects Animator Kevin Kutchaver
Isolated Score Selections Featuring Audio Interview with Co-Composer J. Peter Robinson
“The Wraith Filming Locations: Then and Now” Featurette
Alternate Title Sequence
Still Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
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