The film Wrecker, now on DVD, may be quite familiar as it’s just a newer model of a long list of road kill films. Nicely made however the cinematography makes for entertaining viewing and the production value is a step up from other films in the genre. The acting by the main cast typify the characters and a tip of hat to director Micheal Bafaro for getting realistic performances. If you are a fan of the devil on wheels chasing innocent travelers in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, then this is your cup of tea.
On a long road trip to Palm Springs in a cool Mustang through the desert to visit her boyfriend, Leslie and her best friend Emily, who’s rebounding from a recent breakup, are looking forward to a great weekend. With their GPS and cell phones out of range they decide to take Devil’s Pass as a side adventure. On the two lane highway they catch up to a wrecker pulling a car traveling at a slower speed so they pass him. After a short pause for gas at a rest the wrecker catches up with them and passes. Slowing down the girls are itching to get around the wrecker.
So begins a deadly game of tag that puts both girls running for their lives. Director Micheal Bafaro does a great job of filming the fast moving vehicles keeping the focus on Leslie and Emily as they show their frustrations on being trapped on the narrow lanes with a mountain on one side and a ravine on the other. He builds the animosity within the car as the two girls react to their dilemma. Wide shots show the dangerous terrain and close-ups the facial expressions of the girls as they try to escape the wrecker.
Both actresses have had experience on TV shows, but Anna Hutchison tips the scale with 25 credits including 6 episodes on “Anger Management” as Sasha. She does a very good job of holding her character Emily together as she faces off with the huge wrecker. When Leslie gets separated from her, she gets angry wanting to take the wrecker driver out no matter how hard the challenge.
Wrecker has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains violence and language. If you like this film you may want to watch The Hitcher, Breakdown, and Duel.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good cat and mouse thriller, but with a familiar storyline. (C+)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Anna Hutchison, Drea Whitburn
Director and writer: Micheal Bafaro
MPAA Rating: Not Rated contains violence, language
Genre: Action, Thriller, Horror
Running Time: 1 hr. 23 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date: November 6, 2015
Video Release Date: January 5, 2016
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Subtitles: Closed Caption
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: XLrator Media
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
