Cinema Review (From Barry And District News)

Cinema Review

Road Kill (15) ****

AFTER The Fast and The Furious, Paul Walker has been tipped to be a big star.

However, while his co-star Vin Diesel has been offered big roles, he has still been left to work his way up. Now he has teamed up with Steve Zah for Road Kill, a film that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Lewis has to pick up his brother, Fuller from prison. Return-ing, they amuse themselves with a CB radio by pretending to be a woman and asking trucker 'Nasty Nail' to meet at a motel. But the prank backfires painfully.

The film has been released in the US as Joy Ride.

While not being highly original (similarities to Jeepers Creepers were feared), director John Dahl has delivered a suspenseful and gripping picture which should enthral most audiences. Classic slow editing in suspense scenes has been abolished and Dahl's need for tension and sometimes cliched jumpy bits is perfect.

Unlike most teen thrillers, this film really has some believable characters and you fear for their safety throughout.

Paul Walker and Steve Zahn's performances are full of charisma and emotion but Leelee Sobieski is basically in the film for sexual exploitation. Walker can be compared to Keanu Reeves in personality, but he still acts his socks off throughout.

It may have similarities to Duel and The Hitcher and may also be sexist and cliched, but John Dahl's Road Kill is a gripping, thrill by minute suspense feature. It still won't bring the CB radio back into fashion.