"Joy Ride"
By Ted Pfeifer

This is a movie that tries to make sure no one in the audience will have any fingernails left when the end credits role.

"Joy Ride" is part "Hitcher", part "Duel" and part "Scream". Paul Walker stars as Lewis who is on his way to pick up his friend that is a girl from college to take home. On the way from California to Denver he stops off in Salt Lake City to bail out his brother from jail. Steve Zahn plays Fuller, Lewis's brother. As they resume the trip to pick up the girl played by Leelee Sobieski they stop off and Fuller gets a CB radio installed in the car. As they play on the CB they decide to play a practical joke. We then learn the message of the movie, it is don't screw with truckers.

John Dahl directs this thriller that sends thrills and chills through your seat, that is if you are using more than just the edge of it. Dahl is the director of some other very good films, "Red Rock West", "Rounders" and "The Last Seduction". Dahl seduces you wit some inventive camera moves and angles and keeps everyone on their toes. Just as the film begins to get a little corny he is able to snap it back into place.

The thing that made the movie work for me is that it is believable. And that is what makes a good villain good. If you like good thrills and good chills "Joy Ride" is worth checking out.

You will never look into your rear view mirror the same way again.