Rating: 
Summary: Great latter-day "road" picture, genuinely terrifying.
Review: Seeing this on HBO this morning with the negative experience of "Vanishing Point" still fresh in my mind reminded me that yes, there are some great road movies that take place in the American Southwest which do not leave the viewers questioning the significance of the film...and prefer merely to scare the hell out of them instead.The plot is staggeringly effective in its simplicity; a college kid (C. Thomas Howell) contracts to deliver a car from Chicago to San Diego. In the desert during a storm he picks up a hitch hiker (Rutger Hauer) who doesn't bother with the pretense of winning his mobile host's faith and trust; he immediately slips into maximum creep-out mode and the kid knows he's in serious trouble within minutes as the hitcher makes it known under no uncertain terms that he has indeed killed someone in a particularly brutal fashion...and with a seeming trace of resignation and inevitability he plans to do the same to the kid. What follows is a fortuitous escape and a series of subsequent encounters between Howell and Hauer, with entanglements involving the police, Jennifer Jason Leigh (thankfully before she picked up that horrible New England upper class accent she seemed to use in a number of her '90's roles), and more murder victims. The encounters succeed in building a sense of escalating tension that is never satisfactorily resolved until the film's ending, which does seem somewhat contrived (minus one star for that). However, the performances of all the actors are excruciatingly believable, especially Hauer, who is genuinely disturbing. He's not some sort of supernatural teen slasher a la Jason or Freddy Krueger or (to a lesser extent) Michael Myers, classic horror movie icons all; Hauer is simply someone...ANYONE...that could cross your path without any warning or fanfare...and could make your personal terrorization his sole purpose in life. That is what makes this movie truly scary; while watching it you will clearly understand the implication that yes, this too could happen to you. "Riders on the storm", indeed.
Rating: 
Summary: "Never pick up a stranger."
Review: "The Hitcher" is one of my favorite movies, opening on a long stretch of desert highway, where Jim Halsey (played by C. Thomas Howell) is driving from Chicago to San Diego to deliver a car to some guy in California. On his way there, Jim picks up a hitchhiker, John Ryder (Rutger Hauer), who happens to be a serial killer. This suspenseful opening car scene has two of the most memorable quotes from the movie, starting off with Jim's first line: "My mother told me never to do this," just moments before John pulls out a knife and threatens Jim with it, insisting he repeat four little words--"I want to die"--if he wants to live. With some quick thinking and reflexes, Jim narrowly escapes the knife-wielding lunatic, but is later tormented by John again, and is even mistaken as the serial killer by an army of police officers in their cruisers and helicopter. While it's obvious John had wanted to kill Jim at first, he's now more interested in having Jim stop him, which is the basic drive of the movie, particularly at the end. He leaves a long trail of dead bodies, yet, at the same time, never harms Jim or the young waitress Jim befriends, Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh)--at least, not at first. But after some time, John uses Nash in one of his final attempts to get Jim's attention, by using a semi-truck as a rack and stretching her like a human turkey bone. This is one of the more memorable death scenes in this movie, though not visibly gruesome. After this scene, I generally turn the movie off, even though there are several minutes left. The ending's a little out there, but it's a good example of character development on Jim's part, who matures from a naive young man into someone more bloodthirsty, almost a duplicate of John. His actions go far beyond survival; he becomes obsessed with physically stopping John. It makes you wonder how deep Jim's mind cracks at the end, which might be answered in the sequel ("The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting"), to be released next month, in March. "The Hitcher" is a great psychological thriller, complete with a good cast--Hauer and Howell are perfect for their parts--and plenty of action, scares, and car chases. I wouldn't consider it a slasher film, since most of the killing occurs off-camera and is left up to the viewer to imagine--a much more effective method, I thought--but it does have its moments, like the human finger in the French fries bit. This movie will definitely make you think twice (if that much) before picking up a hitchhiker.
Rating: 
Summary: His mother told him NEVER to do this!!
Review: There were ALOT of holes and "Bloopers" in this movie that I didn't peep before....
First off, C Thomas Howell does a great job in this role (his second best role to "The Kid"..his other roles are not to be rated or taken seriously) I really like the whole rainy mood in the beginning of the movie.
Rutger Hauer steals this movie in his Exellent portrayal of a psycho on the road serial killer.
Jennifer Jason Leigh was alright in what little role she had in this film too.
Now here's my Bloopers:
1.When the car pulled up to that road construction (the part where John Ryder has the switchblade to Jim Halsey's crotch area threatening him) The construction worker asked him "What part of illinoise you from"
Jim Halsey: (scared and nervous) "Chicago"
But if you look closely the plates said "Texas"....he's not coming FROM texas he's coming from Chicago to destination "San Diego"....and he's PASSING through Texas.
Blooper 2
2.When Jim Halsey Spits in John Ryder's face, spit is trickling on both sides of his face, cheeks, nose, jaw, but 1 second later spit was only visible on his chin.
3.I find it REALLY hard to believe that a family vacationing would pick up a hitchhiker in a long trench coat in the middle of nowhere and let him chill in the backseat with the kids? How DANGEROUS is that?
And speaking of this scene, did they need a friggin' miracle ear or hearing aid piece why they couldn't hear Jim Halsey warn them "Pull over!!He'll kill you!!" "The guys' a *%@* nut!"....they sit there looking dumb saying "huh"?
Duh! even though the bus almost made them crash, they could've pulled over the road and find out what he was trying to tell them. They keep going and get killed not too far down the road.
4.How did that French fried "Finger" end up in the deep fryer and into his plate???
5.How was it that EVERYWHERE Jim Halsey was or ended up (even by accident or confusion) The Hitcher would end up there too? is he psychic too?
6.How did the Hitcher take on that WHOLE police precint and no cop tried to shoot him, nothing??
7.What are the chances of Jim Halsey sneaking on a travel bus and running into (Nash)Jennifer Jason-Leigh??
8.What are the chances of her helping him and risking her life to save him, and she doesn't know why?
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RUTGER HAUER'S PERFORMANCE SAVES THIS MOVIE AND MAKES THIS MOVIE A CULT CLASSIC!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent film, Rutger Hauer steals the show!
Review: THE HITCHER is about a young man from the midwest who is delivering a car to San Diego -- which he is doing (of course) as an excuse to get out to California and start a life for himself. While in the desert, however, he picks up a strange hitchhiker, who seems nice enough at first....however, things quickly go south on C. Thoman Howle. What ensues is a suspenseful -- and sometimes comical -- game of cat and mouse. It was a pure treat to watch Hauer do what he does best in THE HITCHER. This is one of his best roles ever, and he pulls it off quite well. Hauer's character is somewhat unique, and very memorable; he is a sadistic killer who doesn't bargain -- and he has a sick, twisted sense of humor that has you laughing several times throught the movie. While not a particularly SCARY film, the acting is quite noteworthy, and the storyline is very enjoyable. All in all, THE HITCHER is a blast and well worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: Blondes CAN be scary
Review: This is an excellent film choice when you're wanting endless suspense and terror. This movie is PACKED with it from start to finish. C. Thomas Howell gives a great performance as the naive young man who makes the mistake of picking up a deranged hitchiker in order to keep awake during the lonely, dark, rainy night. Almost immediately after letting the stranger in, he becomes uneasy and suspicious but isn't able to get the guy out of the car until he's forced to choose between life and death. Although he thinks the nightmare is over he soon realizes it's only just begun after witnessing the guy in another car he's passing along the highway. And so begins the cat and mouse game between the two. The wonderful Rutger Hauer delivers one of his best performances as the cold, calculating predator who takes a strange liking to the boy since he was the one who got away. The killer's reasons are never officially revealed but for a few subtle signs such as the wedding band he wears and constant demands to the boy to "stop me", this showing to us his crazed longing to die. He won't do it himself, will not stay imprisoned behind bars, and certainly won't end the madness until his selected pawn destroys him completely. My guess is he was a once normal, happily married man whose world got disrupted tragically and now has nothing to lose since his sanity has already left.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely MAGNIFICENT one of the greats of the 80s
Review: Like many, I saw this totally haunting film late night on HBO by myself as a child. The opening scene is quite simply perfectly executed, and one of the most frightening and realistic scenes ever put to film. The atmosphere in this film is so wonderful, and the writing first rate. The leads are utterly convincing -- real props to Howell who has a difficult role. I am in love with the Southwest, and in a odd way this film is a great meditation on the wilderness down here too -- kind of like Thelma & Louise. What American films should be like.
Rating:
Summary: More Than Just A Ride!
Review: One of the scariest movies I have ever seen, The Hitcher is relentless in its intensity. Jim Halsey (C. Howell) picks up a hitchhiker (R. Hauer) on his way to San Diego who soon admits he killed his last ride. Hauer says, "You know that driver from that last car? I cut off his legs". It doesn't take more than that before Jim is able to trick and force the 'hitcher' out of his car. Thinking that it's over, Jim soon sees the hitcher riding in another family's car, knowing he will kill them all. Reporting him to the police is of no use and even after they capture him, he pulls a shocking twist on everyone. Jim befriends a lonely waitress (J. J. Leigh) who believes his story, but soon she ends up in the middle (literally) between them (the most revolting scene in the film). It's a suspenseful, non-stop, killer maniac fright ride. It becomes clear the hitcher is out to frame Jim for multiple murders or kill him. The ending is just as frightening as the rest, but I guarantee you won't leave this film feeling good - just shaken up. Not for the squeamish, but maybe a good date movie.
Rating:
Summary: Dangerous Highways!!!
Review: Like Kurt Russell's 1997 film "Breakdown" this one really shows the dangers of travelling cross-country & the weirdos you might encounter along the way, In this, we meet Jim Halsey(C.Thomas Howell) who is delivering a car to California for a drive-away company, it seems he is tired, and at one point falls asleep behind the wheel & is awakined by an oncoming Semi-Truck that barely misses him, once awake, he sees a hitcher, & offers the stranger a lift, in an effort to stay awake, but he gets more than he bargained for when the stranger taunts & intimidates him, Rutger Hauer( Blade Runner, Ladyhawke) gives a chilling performance as the stranger, & his motives are never really clear, & it seems they shouldn't be, at one point Halsey is able to dispatch him from the vehicle & when he thinks his nightmare is over, it has really just begun, as Hauer kills everyone in his wake & somehow manages to pin it all on Halsey who is later roughed up by local police, who themselves fall victim to Hauer, as Halsey seeks help, he finds it in the form of Jennifer Jason Leigh, who believes & tries to help him escape from the state police, who at this point is attempting to kill Halsey for the deaths of their fellow officers, they too are dispatched by Hauer who in turns spares Haley & Leigh, making his intensions all the more confusing, this film is good up until the last 20 minutes as Hauer soon dispatches Leigh in a gruesome manner, taking out the suspense element & turning it into a cheap horror flick, once caught, Hauer is silent, & Halsey is cleared, & soon taken by the local Captain (Jeffery DeMunn) to his original destination as Hauer is led away in a prison bus, but Halsey soon pulls the element of suprise on the Captain & quickly drops him off & goes by his self to get revenge on Hauer, who at this point has dispatched the prison bus gaurds & is ready & waiting for Halsey, the showdown between the two is at best memorable, & Hauer plays this moment to perfection, won't spoil the ending, but it definately will make driving cross-country less popular for anyone!!
Rating:
Summary: Think Twice Before Picking Up Strangers.
Review: Especially when you're just a boy driving along empty highways. C. Thomas Howell nevertheless decides to give Rutger Hauer a ride, thinking the man might keep him awake (it's a rainy night, and he has to go all the way to California to deliver his drive-away-car). (Un)fortunately the stranger does just that--keeping him wide awake. The hitchhiker plays some game which involves butchering his victims ... not a long while ago he cut off the arms and legs of another man who thought it okay to trust a stranger. So now Howell is in some trouble. By this time (fairly early in the film) The Hitcher is well on its way to become a spell-binding horror/thriller, and I think you will watch it in one sitting, demanding to know what the hitchhiker's motives are and what'll happen next. I think the ending might be a let-down for those who misunderstood 'the idea behind'/'motive of' The Hitcher. Because a number of other reviewers have done all they can to reveal it, I suggest you watch the film yourself before reading those reviews. It's my opinion that The Hitcher might lose some strength if you know too much beforehand (a bit of speculation on your behalf might be more entertaining). Bottom line: Terrific cast and a fine director.
Rating:
Summary: The film stopped for me... well worth picking up!
Review: The best horror/suspense film I've seen for a long time. As Rutger is my fav actor he is brilliant as the Hitcher who C Thomas Howell (Jim Halsey) picks up unwittingly in the rain! Overall comment on the DVD plus extras in the UK is that it is a slasher of a movie. Very understated by some reviews I have read but by the Director and the cinematographer on the DVD commentary I have to agree that it is the best horror flick there is around. I find this because the film doesn't have to show the whole of the killings to see how grisly it really is and what is going on in every scene to show what the actors are up to. It is all up to the viewer's imagination.
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