80's MONTH: "THE HITCHER"

If there is one thing I've learned since my birth in the 80's, it is that Rutger Hauer rules! C. Thomas Howell might be a whiney bitch in this movie, and Jennifer Jason Leigh isn't anything like she was in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High", but Hauer steals the show as the ultimate badass. Really can this guy go wrong? Especially in the 80's; "Blade Runner", "Ladyhawke", and so on. Basically this is one of the best car chase thrillers out there. C. Thomas Howell picks up hitch hiker John Ryder one night where he soon after finds out that Ryder is a lunatic. He eventually ditches Ryder, but only for the time being. Ryder makes his life a living hell, killing everyone around him on his journey to California, even framing him for his murders.

This is another film that was unnecessarily remade, and PLEASE avoid the remake. It doesn't have any of the suspense or originality of this film. There are some great non CGI effects and action, plus a cool 80's soundtrack and atmosphere ala "Near Dark". "The Hitcher" can only be described as exciting. From the beginning you are in it, and there are even some twists that make for it to not be cliche. This may be an 80's classic, but it still works today. Check it out if you haven't already.

*3 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*