X
- 1986
- R
- New Century Vista Film Company
- 1 h 33 m
- 1986
- R
- New Century Vista Film Company
- 1 h 33 m
Summary A mysterious figure suddenly appears to challenge a gang of motorhead thugs.
Directed By: Mike Marvin
Written By: Mike Marvin
- 1986
- R
- New Century Vista Film Company
- 1 h 33 m
- 1986
- R
- New Century Vista Film Company
- 1 h 33 m
The Wraith
39
6.8
Where to Watch
Summary A mysterious figure suddenly appears to challenge a gang of motorhead thugs.
Directed By: Mike Marvin
Written By: Mike Marvin
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
Based on 10 Critic Reviews
39
20% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
40% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
40% Negative
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
Based on 10 Critic Reviews
39
20% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
40% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
40% Negative
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
If you're a fan of revenge fantasies, The Wraith will likely whet your appetite even if it isn't the smartest or best film out there.
Mr. Cassavetes is effectively black-hearted, and makes a striking figure, and Randy Quaid does a lot with the underdeveloped role of a local sheriff. Mr. Marvin directs at a brisk pace, but his screenplay, though lively, seems to be written in an alien language.
Gang of comic-strip killer car-thieves is led by lip-curling psycho Packard (Cassavetes). The town (comprising one house, a burger joint and no citizen who isn't a teenager or a cop) is overseen by Sheriff Randy Quaid, who displays all the reverence the script deserves. Best joke is having one of the thugs know a word like wraith.
The Wraith is essentially a wall-to-wall car chase that writer/director Mike Marvin attempts to enliven with TV commercial visuals, tough-guy dialogue and modestly inventive casting.
The Wraith reveals itself as little more than formula teen-audience lure. Of some merit to the whole enterprise are two things: the lovingly photographed desert scenery and the hip and lively music score that drowns out most of the turgid dialogue. As far as the acting goes, it's a pity there are no blinds on the screen. [25 Nov 1986, p.D7]
There's some fun potential here, but Marvin's direction is plodding enough to snuff it fairly quickly. Yet Charlie Sheen, promising in his second-banana appearances in Lucas and Pretty in Pink, emerges with his promise intact. Sheen already has the reserved but powerful manner of a Wayne or an Eastwood; with a little more maturity, he could be a contender.
Director-writer Mike Marvin is obviously working out of his element, which consists of ski films and features with titles of things you eat or drink (Six Pack; Hot Dog--The Movie; and Hamburger). The best thing here are the cars, which have no dialog and just stand around looking fast. Sheen's is a specially built Dodge pace car that cost over $1.5 million.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 9 User Ratings
6.8
78% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
22% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 9 User Ratings
6.8
78% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
22% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
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