Freeway (1996)

Freeway is one of those movies that has the power to simultaneously amaze and disgust just about anyone who dares to view it. Like Seven, Kalifornia, and Natural Born Killers, it's a movie that could be called a product of our times, since it caters to our societal fascination with serial killers and outrageous psychopathic behavior. But make no mistake: director Matthew Bright isn't out to feed anyone's sickest impulse. This is a scathing satire in the age of Jerry Springer fistfights and "real" TV shows like Cops, in which the "I-5 Killer" (Kiefer Sutherland) meets a wayward teenager (Reese Witherspoon) on the freeway that provides his nickname. She confides in the man but soon discovers his gruesome intentions, and ... well, let's just say she effectively defends herself, only to find later that the killer (whose wife is played by Brooke Shields, no less!) has used the media to his advantage. Fine performances make this a provocative thriller, but it's definitely not for the innocent or squeamish. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

good

did not enjoy the movie, just purchased for my class but the shipping was really fast and condition was excellent. overall, good. August 11, 2008

A rollercoaster of a ride as a movie ...no holds barred

Freeway (1996), is an extraordinary, hyper-scary movie that thinks
nothing of delving into taboo subjects, sordid fascinations that too
often are swept under the rug in our society... anarchy, juvenile
delinquency, shootings, chaos of cities, etc. For that reason, perhaps this film
should be rated not 17, or 21 but perhaps 30 or 35, such
is the graphic nature of the filming, the language, the underlying taboo
subjects touched upon that only jaded, "men of the world" would hesitantly
admit exists or discuss in today's society. e.g. drive by shootings,
the constant need for the justice system to redress certain extreme behaviors
from extreme individuals, commercialism, etc

The filming is great, with its wide-screen format, although the music is very
minimal or invisible in the context of the underlying story.

Reese Witherspoon's character is outstandingly played by the actress, as an
agressive, stressed out 17 year old raised in a broken home, (with all that
entails), and the vicious circle seems to repeat itself, despite herself,
as she falls into the same pattern of life occurrences as everyone in her family
did in the past, although she sees it coming a mile away, from having been
around the block a few times. Her charisma and youthful energy are a plus.

Kiefer Sutherland's choice in volunteering for this picture, lends it credibility
as entertainment, but ...the audience will be challenged and baffled for the
actor not having minded to be portrayed as a psychologist who loves
his job of listening to the emotional despair of his clients during therapy,
as the same time as he has immense personal skeletons in the closet, 100 times
fold more serious than any of those he's counseling.

Amanda Plummer, does a perfect job in the role of Reese's mother, which is
of a methampetamine addict, doing tricks for cash, while Dan Hedaya is
fine as a modest police detective just trying to get to the bottom of
things.

A winner of the Cognac Police Festival in France, the same year it was
released, Freeway has an impact which is entertaining, but a lot more
as a shocking experience to viewers, almost every 5 minutes, as almost every
aspect of personal behavior shown offers no limits, no filters, no
restraint. It's a certain "Reality" in America, which is absolutely real:
the penal system, out of bounds behavior, the consequences, real casualties
from youths who have access to Saturday Night Specials, etc.

The upshot, is that this movie is a must-see, but jaws will drop to the ground over
and over again, over 90 mins.

July 23, 2008

Free Spirit!

WOW! A three letter word! I agree with another poster on here. Reese Witherspoon's Oscar came a decade late! She was phenomenal in this movie! Some of the things I've seen her do in this movie are kinda shocking to me! That makes an absolute wonderful and brillant actress.
Keeping in mind that this was towards the beginning of her career on top of it! I don't know how I let this one slip past me all these years! (Just watched it yesterday for the first time!) WOW! Is all I can really say! June 13, 2008

Not happy

DVD did not work, I know it is USA region and not UK, but you did know where you are sending it.... April 1, 2008

Hell hath no fury like Reese Witherspoon

Set along the premise of the "Red Riding Hood" storyline, 'Freeway' is the twisted tale of a young, reckless high school age girl and her escape from the epitome of a dysfunctional family. She sets her escape to the safety of "Grandmother's house" after fleeing from the clutches of state custody. Kiefer Sutherland comes along as the "caring rebound" from her dilemma, portraying a helpful child psychologist who has all the answers to her problems. This is where the film takes a turn to the bizarre and demented.

Skeptical of Reese Witherspoon's starring role? Thinking `Legally Blonde'? Well put those assumptions to rest because this chick is not the one to screw over. Brooke Shields plays the arrogant, naïve and doomed wife of Sutherland's character who more than folds under the pressure of the film's outcome. Definite rent/purchase of people wanting to view an hour and a half head trip, highly recommended and very entertaining.peace.

January 17, 2008

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