The Joyriders

This is one of the best Christian films that I have seen in a long time. If Christians are going to make movies, this is the way it should be done. I am tired of all of this sentimental, sappy, corny, the-world-is-perfect-and-everythings-happy-lets-all-hug movies. This movie portrays real life situations in a way that is authentic and captivating. It doesn't sell out like "The Omega Code", and the HORRIBLE "Left Behind" movies. I am a movie buff, and I love movies, but this is the way that Christian movies should be done. I wish I could find this film so I could purchase it.

I picked up the box to this movie and thought....hmmmm, this looks like a crappy movie, I think I'll watch it. So I was watching it....still watching it....and it occurred to me that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The storyline was okay, although the script was a bit repetitive, cover similar issues more than once, and I liked the actors. Especially Shawn Hatosy, he's a hottie. And this is really the only other thing (other than Ed Wood) I've seen Martin Landau in and he wasn't bad at all. My favorite character though was Diane Venora as the mom. UUUUGGGGHHHH! What a @*#&$^!!!!! Okay, that's all. :) (8 out of 10)

Although it's not a top-notch movie, it still has a lot of charm. The story is surprisingly pleasant and the acting could have been worse. I kinda liked idea that the old man was given a new purpose in life by a bunch of run away teens. The way this was told in the movie was really quite believable. The other way round: The old man gives the teens a reason to start over with their lives and make something out of it. Particularly moving was the subplot from the girl who ran away from home because her mother was psychotic and blamed her for everything that went wrong (She even accused her of flirting with her new boyfriend as she returned home at the end of the movie. It was a really sad scene).

I enjoyed this movie and although the review value is low it still deserves an above-average rating i.m.h.o.

An interesting film about conflict, struggle, and change. While the quality of the film itself was lower than standard, it presented a very realistic out look on homeless youth and the gritty, day-by-day survival on the streets. Throw in a suicidal elderly man who get's caught in the middle of the youth's criminal rampage, and you have an excellent character study of the human nature, and the power of change. Can this old man change the course of these rebellious teenagers? Can these teenagers change this old man's out look on life? Yes to both. This was a great film with a powerful message. A nod to Kris Kristofferson's character who presented the TRUE answers for all the lead characters. Also to the film-makers for the AWESOME choice of music used throughout the film. I was impressed with the acting by the three teenagers, and Martin Landau was already a proven win. Bravo!

The movie's description was better than the movie. However, I still can give it "7" of "10". Some of the premises and scenes were a bit unbelievable. And Kristofferson delivered his "minister" character a bit loosely. However, the overall theme, that a suicidal man can find new hope through a bunch of rotten teens, and the same rotten teens can somehow learn the value of a second chance, makes for a worthwhile movie. I bought it for $2.99 at Blockbuster, used, so did not have much invested. I may watch it again now that I know the teens won't kill the old man.