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Sean Bean, Sophia Bush, Zachary Knighton, Neal McDonough. Written by Eric Red and Jake Wade Wall and Eric Bernt, based on the film written by Eric Red. Directed by Dave Meyers.

FILM SYNOPSIS: This remake tracks the terrifying trajectory of Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) and Jim Halsey (Zachary Knighton), a collegiate couple who are tormented by the mysterious hitchhiker John Ryder, a.k.a. The Hitcher (Sean Bean). The young couple hit the road in a 1970 Oldsmobile 442, en route to spring break, but their pleasure trip soon turns into a waking nightmare. The initial encounters with Ryder are increasingly off-putting for Grace and Jim, and they bravely fight back when he ambushes them. But they are truly blindsided when he implicates them in a horrific slaying and continues to shadow them. The open road becomes a battleground of blood and metal as they elude not only Ryder but also New Mexico State Police Lieutenant Esteridge’s (Neal McDonough) officers.

PREVIEW REVIEW: When I was a kid and in my early teens, I used to watch a Friday Night Fright flick every weekend. Back then you could watch them on TV, hosted by some ghoulish guy or gal, and they usually starred Karloff or Lugosi because television in those days had what was quaintly known as standards. These horror tales were in reality morality plays – good vs. evil, with evil being defeated by film’s end. What’s more, because these films had been made a generation or more before I was born, a time of true innocence in terms of what Americans were willing to allow picture makers to make, there was generally a theme that acknowledged God, or even reverenced Him. Well, the world and spooky movies have changed since I was called an adolescent. This genre is no longer populated by the likes of Karloff or Lugosi, themes of good vs. evil are now colorized with shades of grey, and our senses are pummeled with sadistic and often gory demises made possible by the magic of computer-generated special effects departments.

I’m sure the studio would prefer us to call it a thriller, but The Hitcher is essentially a horror flick, for the antagonist is a true monster if ever there was one. The pacing, the energy, and the jolts are impressive. It’s a real nail-biter, but it’s also riddled with offensive language, exploitive sexuality and a high quotient of gory imagery, including a scene where a man gets his throat slit, blood gushing from the wound. It’s rated R, so technically the kids aren’t supposed to be able to see it, unless accompanied by an adult, but here’s the really scary aspect associated with youngsters attending fright flicks – Moms and Dads help their offspring enter these movies. After all, they’re only movies, right? We went to see them and we turned out alright, right?

So, we are bombarded by improper language, sadism, and sexual misconduct (casual sex, unprotected sex, sex without consequences) as a standard in this era’s presentation of films of this genre. Seemingly, we can handle this aggressive impact, right? But is that what God had in mind for us? No matter what the society considers acceptable, followers of Christ are to live by a different rule book. (We actually have a rule book.) And considering the fact that it has been authored by the Holy Spirit, it sure would be nice if the kids brought up in Christian homes actually read it. Look up Philippians 4:8. If today’s horror films – or any film, for that matter – don’t run afoul of that verse, then go ahead, send the kids. If today’s fright flicks don’t meet with biblical standards in your view, well, just say no. You’re the parent. It’s an R-rated movie. You’re the boss.

Now, while I’m setting you straight on child-rearing, let’s discuss teens and cell phones…

Distributor: Rogue Pictures